2027: Abdulsalami panel warns Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others against inflammatory campaigns

The National Peace Committee, led by ex-President Abdulsalami Abubakar and co-chaired by Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other political players against inflammatory and provocative campaigns ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. In a joint statement, the committee expressed concern over 60 election-related incidents that occurred within a single month, including political violence, intimidation, threats, attacks on political activities, and misinformation.

The National Peace Committee (NPC) emphasized in its statement that political parties, candidates, and supporters should cease false, inflammatory, or inciting communication, verify information before publication, and prevent their supporters from engaging in unlawful conduct, intimidation, or disruption. Looking ahead to the electoral cycle, the NPC reiterated that every candidate must be able to campaign peacefully, every political party must organize lawfully, and every citizen must be able to make a political choice without fear or coercion.

The committee also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen monitoring of political campaigns, ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, and take appropriate regulatory action against breaches. Additionally, security agencies were advised to intensify investigations into electoral offences and political violence.