Insecurity Threatens 2027 Campaigns as Parties Fear Restricted Access to Voters

Banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and communal violence are raising concerns about political campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with fears that insecurity could restrict candidates’ access to rural communities and discourage voter participation.

Reports from several states indicate that persistent attacks, displacement and movement restrictions could complicate campaign activities, particularly in areas where residents have been forced to abandon their homes.

Niger, Borno, Taraba, Benue and Kaduna are among the states identified as facing significant security challenges, although political parties have expressed differing views on their ability to reach voters in affected communities.

While some ruling parties insist they will campaign across all local government areas, opposition parties have raised concerns about the safety of candidates, supporters and residents attending political gatherings.

Some parties are considering limiting rallies to safer locations, reducing night activities and using security escorts to minimise risks.

Niger State: Parties Disagree Over Campaign Access

In Niger State, armed groups continue to pose security challenges in Shiroro, Rafi, Mariga, Borgu and other local government areas.

Reports from the state indicated that about 50 villages were considered unsafe for unrestricted movement.

In August, suspected bandits reportedly attacked a mosque in Dekera, Borgu Local Government Area, abducting hundreds of worshippers. Another incident involved the reported abduction of 37 farmers, mostly women, in Mariga Local Government Area.

Despite the security concerns, the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintained that it would campaign across all 25 local government areas.

Opposition parties, however, questioned whether candidates and supporters could move freely in communities affected by repeated attacks and restrictions.

Borno: Security Concerns in Volatile Areas

In Borno State, Guzamala, Abadam, Marte, Kukawa and Kala Balge remain areas of concern because of recurring attacks and the challenges of reaching displaced residents.

Political stakeholders warned that insecurity could limit campaign activities in several local government areas, with some residents of Kukawa reportedly relocating to Monguno for safety.

An APC chieftain acknowledged the risks associated with organising large campaign gatherings in troubled communities, although major parties had yet to announce comprehensive arrangements for reaching affected voters.

The situation has raised questions about how candidates will engage residents who remain displaced or live in areas where movement is restricted.

Taraba: Opposition Parties Consider Restrictions

Political parties in Taraba State are reviewing their campaign strategies following attacks in Karim Lamido and parts of the southern senatorial zone.

Residents were reportedly recovering bodies following an attack on Binnari village in Karim Lamido, while Chanchaji Ward in Takum was described as being under siege.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) indicated that it might avoid Karim Lamido and some parts of southern Taraba during its campaigns because of security concerns.

Accord Party representative Jerome Nyame also expressed reservations about taking campaign activities into certain communities, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said attacks in the southern part of the state had become recurrent.

The parties said the safety of candidates, supporters and residents remained a major consideration in planning their activities.

Benue: Displacement Raises Concerns Over Participation

In Benue State, political stakeholders said insecurity had affected more than 10 local government areas, including Kwande and Guma, with some communities reportedly displaced for years.

A clergyman, Jonathan Terka, said areas stretching from Anyiase to Jor Wata remained unsafe, while displaced families continued to live in camps at Nyihemba, Ikyogen and Jato Aka.

The prolonged displacement has raised concerns about how affected residents will participate in campaigns and access polling facilities during the elections.

The APC maintained that no area of the state was closed to campaign activities, but the PDP disputed the position and criticised the state government over its handling of security challenges.

Kaduna and Plateau Face Continuing Challenges

In Kaduna State, banditry and kidnapping remain concerns in rural communities, prompting the ADC to warn that insecurity could prevent some residents from participating in the elections.

The APC cited improvements in security along the Kaduna-Abuja road and the reclamation of farmland from armed groups as signs of progress, although security challenges persist in some areas.

In Plateau State, displacement has also affected communities’ ability to hold public gatherings. The state government has deployed an additional 1,500 Operation Rainbow personnel to strengthen security.

The ADC and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) maintained that they could conduct political activities across the state, while the PDP acknowledged continuing security concerns.

Mixed Security Situation Across Other States

In Rivers State, security concerns along the Igwuruta-Etche, Emohua-Kalabari and Ahoada corridors have prompted some political parties to use escorts and reduce night rallies.

In Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri and Senator Henry Seriake Dickson have called for peace amid reported tensions involving APC and NDC supporters in Sagbama and Ekeremor.

Kogi State has also recorded attacks on political meetings in Ofu and Koton Karfe, while the PDP has raised separate concerns over signage fees imposed by the state government.

In Jigawa State, the police said they anticipated no major security threat to political activities but were monitoring locations including Hadejia, Gumel, Dutse, Birnin Kudu and Gwaram.

Political parties in Imo State reported that some villages abandoned during the 2023 elections had reopened, raising hopes of improved access ahead of the next polls.

In Ekiti State, the ruling party dismissed fears about insecurity, while the ADC said it intended to campaign across all 16 local government areas, subject to favourable security conditions.

Major parties in Oyo and Ondo states also expressed confidence that they could reach voters throughout their respective states, although rural kidnappings and criminal activity in forested areas continued to concern residents.

Insecurity Raises Fears Over Voter Turnout

Beyond campaign activities, political stakeholders have warned that insecurity could affect voter turnout and expose election workers to danger.

Labour Party chieftain Chibuzor Okereke said fear could discourage Nigerians from participating in the polls, recalling previous incidents involving the killing of National Youth Service Corps members deployed as ad hoc election personnel.

Peter Agada of the Young Progressives Party attributed the persistence of insecurity partly to the interests of individuals who benefit financially from criminal activities.

As political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, the security situation in affected communities is likely to remain a major concern for candidates, electoral authorities and voters.

Ensuring that political actors can campaign safely and that displaced and vulnerable communities can participate in the electoral process will be essential to protecting the credibility and inclusiveness of the elections.