2027: Political violence could ruin investor confidence ahead of elections – CPPE

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has warned that mounting political violence, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections could erode investor confidence.

The free enterprise advocacy group also cautioned on Sunday about the adverse implications of the trend for businesses and economic stability if the current wave of political unrest spirals out of control.

It urged political leaders, political parties and state institutions to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and shield the business environment from the consequences of political tensions.

Muda Yusuf, its CEO, made the call in a policy brief on Sunday, following reports of attacks on opposition parties’ political gatherings earlier this month.

“Political violence must be unequivocally denounced, regardless of its perpetrators or beneficiaries. Electoral ambition must never take precedence over the security of lives, property and investments,” the group said.

Politically motivated violence does not merely threaten democratic governance, it noted, but also risks investment, business operations, employment, and economic growth.

It warned that political instability could discourage new investments, delay business expansion plans, and increase the risk premiums investors sometimes demand for extra comfort in a tense political climate.

According to CPPE, political clashes, insecurity, and violent protests can disrupt supply chains, logistics, and market access, while prolonged instability could accelerate capital flight and intensify foreign exchange volatility.

It said the economic impact could be particularly severe for small businesses, informal enterprises and investors with significant fixed assets that could not be easily relocated.

CPPE called on security agencies to act proactively and impartially to forestall violence and ensure that perpetrators and their sponsors are held accountable.

It stressed the significance of protecting the independence and neutrality of key state institutions, notably the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the judiciary, regulatory bodies and the civil service.

“The politicisation of these institutions creates risks that extend well beyond the electoral process,” the group asserted.

“It weakens the rule of law, undermines regulatory predictability, increases the perception of arbitrary government action and erodes confidence in the protection of investments and contractual rights.”

The organisation further said INEC must operate independently and professionally, free of political interference. At the same time, security agencies should protect political actors, electoral officials, citizens, and economic assets without partiality.

It also urged the judiciary to remain independent and accessible to resolve electoral disputes on time, warning against using regulatory and law enforcement institutions for political intimidation or partisan advantage.

To prevent political tensions from undermining economic activities, the organisation outlined five priority actions for political leaders and state institutions.

These include adopting zero tolerance for political violence, protecting institutional independence, promoting responsible political communication, safeguarding economic activities and preserving policy and administrative stability.

CPPE urged political leaders to place national economic stability above partisan interests, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy should be strengthened through credible institutions and peaceful political competition rather than violence and institutional partisanship.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported incidents of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, including attacks on opposition supporters at a town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday and Peter Obi’s convoy in Cross River on 4 November.

Violent clashes during Nigerian Democratic Congress and Obidient Movement processions on 7 November in Asaba left one person dead and five others injured.