Fresh allegations of political intimidation in Benue, Edo and Enugu states have heightened concerns over the safety of opposition candidates and their supporters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political parties calling on security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
The concerns follow reported incidents involving the obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State, an alleged attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign officials in Edo State, and claims of violence against supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State.
Although the circumstances surrounding the incidents differ, they have intensified debate over whether political parties can freely mobilise supporters, visit communities and present their programmes without fear of intimidation.
The allegations have also renewed calls for impartial investigations, greater accountability and stronger security arrangements as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy gained national attention following the disruption of a visit by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to Yelwata, a farming community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Obi had scheduled the visit for September 8 to commiserate with residents affected by killings, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods.
However, his convoy was reportedly stopped along Gboko Road in Makurdi by youths who allegedly blocked the route and demanded that he leave the area.
Obi said he had travelled to sympathise with affected families but decided against forcing his way through the blockade to prevent a confrontation that could endanger lives.
While the Benue State Government denied responsibility for the incident, stating that it had not been informed of the visit, the police said they had received notification and deployed officers to provide security.
The following day, the police announced the arrest of 46 suspects allegedly linked to the obstruction.
Although the arrests marked a step towards investigating the incident, they did not establish who organised the blockade or whether any political figure directed it.
The incident has since become a reference point in the wider debate over opposition candidates’ freedom to visit communities and engage voters without interference.
In Edo State, the African Democratic Congress reported that its campaign team was attacked in Igueben Local Government Area on October 6.
The party said its chieftain and former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuangbon, its Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herbert Okonofua, and other party leaders were travelling in a convoy when suspected attackers allegedly opened fire.
According to the ADC, one of its supporters, identified as Jerry Oliha, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
The party accused individuals it described as political loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of involvement and alleged that Igueben Local Government Chairman, Endurance Azemegbe, led the attackers.
Azemegbe denied the allegation, maintaining that he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred.
The conflicting accounts underscore the need for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the reported attack and determine whether anyone was responsible.
The incident also followed controversy surrounding remarks attributed to Edo APC Chairman, Jerett Tenebe, in a video circulating online. He was reported to have threatened to use an AK-47 rifle against people who refused to vote for the party, including President Bola Tinubu.
Opposition parties condemned the reported remarks, arguing that electoral competition should be determined by voters rather than threats or intimidation.
The episode has further drawn attention to the responsibility of political leaders to promote peaceful participation and discourage rhetoric that could heighten political tensions.
In Enugu State, NDC governorship candidate Chinyeaka Ohaa alleged that he and his supporters were attacked on October 10 while returning from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where party members had gathered to welcome him.
Ohaa claimed that several supporters sustained injuries, vehicles were damaged, and mobile phones belonging to journalists and party members were seized.
He further alleged that the attackers followed his convoy to the party’s campaign office, where another confrontation occurred.
The ADC, NDC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) subsequently condemned the reported incidents and called on security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure the safety of opposition politicians and their supporters.
The Enugu State Government denied involvement in the incident.
The police said officers responded to a distress report, restored order, took an injured person to hospital and commenced an investigation.
As with the incidents in Benue and Edo, responsibility for the reported attack must be established through credible investigation rather than political accusations.
Nevertheless, the incident has reinforced calls for adequate protection for political candidates, party members, journalists and supporters participating in lawful political activities.
Beyond the individual cases, the ADC has raised concerns about what it describes as a pattern of attacks on opposition members and political gatherings across the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said its records covered reported incidents between July 2025 and September 2026 in Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu states.
According to the party, the incidents included alleged assaults on political participants, destruction of party property, disruption of meetings and threats against citizens because of their political preferences.
The ADC called on the Inspector General of Police to provide public updates on investigations into the reported cases.
Abdullahi maintained that citizens must be free to support political parties of their choice and that registered parties should be able to organise meetings and conduct lawful activities without intimidation.
However, determining whether the reported incidents form part of a coordinated pattern requires independent verification of individual cases and the findings of investigations.
A Lagos based NDC member, Silvester Adah, also called on security agencies to strengthen their presence before, during and after the elections.
Adah alleged that the APC intended to intimidate voters in areas where opposition parties enjoyed significant support. The allegation has not been independently substantiated.
The concerns nevertheless highlight the importance of ensuring that security agencies demonstrate impartiality in responding to complaints from all political parties.
Several opposition figures and political groups have condemned the reported incidents, insisting that intimidation must not be allowed to influence the electoral process.
Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, condemned the alleged intimidation of opposition parties.
The Obidient Movement also accused the ruling APC of involvement in the reported incidents, describing them as evidence of what it considered the ruling party’s desperation. The allegation remains the movement’s position and does not independently establish responsibility for the incidents.
NDC stalwart Tanko Yunusa said the party would not be deterred from campaigning across the country.
He condemned the reported incidents in Benue, Edo, Delta and Enugu, warning that failure to investigate allegations of political violence could deepen public distrust ahead of the elections.
Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, alleged that the ruling party disrupted his attempt to visit a royal palace for political mobilisation.
The allegations have strengthened opposition demands for security agencies to protect candidates and supporters regardless of their political affiliations.
They have also prompted calls for political parties to discourage violence and ensure their supporters respect the democratic rights of opponents.
The APC has rejected suggestions that it is pursuing a policy of restricting opposition activities.
Abimbola Tooki, spokesman for the APC National Chairman, said allegations of political intimidation should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than broad accusations against the ruling party.
The party maintains that political competition must be conducted within the law and that responsibility for individual incidents should be established through evidence.
While the APC’s position represents its response to the allegations, it does not resolve the claims against individuals or groups in specific cases.
Equally, allegations against APC members or supporters should not be treated as established facts without credible evidence and the findings of impartial investigations.
The responsibility therefore rests on the relevant authorities to investigate reported incidents transparently and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the consequences prescribed by law, irrespective of political affiliation.
The growing concerns over campaign security have renewed questions about the preparedness of Nigeria’s electoral institutions and security agencies for the 2027 general elections.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a role in promoting credible elections and engaging political parties on peaceful electoral conduct, the primary responsibility for preventing, investigating and prosecuting criminal attacks rests with the appropriate law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Political mobilisation involves community visits, rallies, meetings with interest groups and direct engagement between candidates and voters. Such activities are essential to democratic participation and should not be obstructed through violence or unlawful intimidation.
When candidates are prevented from visiting communities or supporters are attacked during political activities, the consequences extend beyond individual parties.
Residents may lose opportunities to interact with candidates, question their policies and assess their plans for addressing local challenges.
The situation is particularly concerning in communities affected by insecurity, displacement and economic hardship, where engagement with political leaders can provide an opportunity for residents to draw attention to their difficulties.
Obi’s proposed visit to Yelwata, for instance, was intended to express solidarity with residents affected by killings and displacement. Its disruption raised questions about both political access and the ability of affected communities to engage freely with public figures seeking elective office.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the reported incidents in Benue, Edo and Enugu have brought campaign security and political tolerance into sharper focus.
Whether the cases represent isolated incidents or a wider problem will depend on evidence established through investigations.
However, the need for peaceful political participation remains clear.
Security agencies are expected to respond promptly to credible threats, protect lawful political gatherings and investigate complaints without favouring any political party.
Political parties, on their part, must discourage inflammatory rhetoric, distance themselves from violence and respect the rights of their opponents to campaign freely.
Transparent investigations and appropriate legal action against perpetrators would also help prevent rumours, counter-accusations and unverified claims from worsening political tensions.
Ultimately, the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections will depend not only on the conduct of the polls but also on the conditions under which candidates campaign and voters make their choices.
