Violence linked to suspected political thugs has marred the early weeks of campaigning for Nigeria's 2027 general elections, with attacks on party meetings, rallies and supporters reported in at least seven states since campaigns opened on August 19.

Incidents have been recorded in Kogi, Benue, Kano, Delta, Kaduna, Rivers and Enugu, according to a tally by DAILY POST. Party officials and supporters were injured in several of them, and there are fears that the attacks could discourage Nigerians from openly backing their preferred candidates ahead of the polls, due in January and February.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says its own members have also come under attack, but most of the reported incidents involved supporters of opposition parties, chiefly the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Attacks reported across seven states

Kogi: gunshots at an ADC meeting in Ofu

On September 15, suspected thugs allegedly sponsored by the APC broke up an ADC meeting at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area, firing several shots into the air and sending party members and residents running for safety. At least one ADC member was seriously injured and rushed to hospital.

Ofu has a history of election-season violence. In 2019, Salome Abuh, then the PDP Women Leader in Kogi State, was reportedly burnt to death in her home in the same area during the governorship election.

Benue: Peter Obi's motorcade blocked in Makurdi

On September 8, suspected thugs blocked the road in Makurdi against the motorcade of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was on his way to Yelwata for a humanitarian visit. More than 10 of his supporters were injured and admitted to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).

The NDC accused government officials of sponsoring the attackers, a claim the Benue State Government denied. Within 24 hours, the state police command paraded 46 suspects, and the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the police "will not allow any act of political intolerance" as the elections draw near.

Kano: journalists and police officers attacked after APC rally

On September 5, police officers and journalists returning from an APC Tinubu Support Group rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where the party received defectors from opposition parties, were attacked by suspected thugs behind the City Campus of North West University, Kofar Nassarawa. The attackers smashed the rear glass of a Radio Nigeria vehicle carrying the journalists, in an incident captured on video.

The attack came a week after a teenager, Yusuf Ahmad, was killed in a suspected reprisal attack by street thugs in the Dorayi Quarters area of Gwale Local Government Area as he returned from a Maulud gathering.

Delta: shots reported at NDC campaigners in Warri

In Warri, suspected thugs reportedly opened fire on NDC campaigners supporting Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Esther Umoh, a photographer associated with Obi, said on X that the party's Delta State governorship candidate, members of his entourage and other Obidient and Kwankwasiya supporters were targeted. A video shared with her post showed a chaotic scene.

Kaduna: ADC supporters' vehicles vandalised

ADC members who turned out to welcome the party's governorship candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, back from a two-week Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia were attacked, and several of their vehicles were vandalised. The ADC blamed APC thugs and alleged that the attackers were later seen entering the Kaduna State secretariat of the Renewed Hope Movement.

Rivers: clashes in Ikwerre and Emohua

Tension has risen in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas after clashes between ADC, NDC and APC supporters. The ADC said its members and a candidate were attacked during a consultation in Ikwerre, and a video from the scene showed people with blood-stained clothes. On September 9, suspected thugs invaded the NDC secretariat in Emohua and destroyed billboards, banners and other campaign materials.

Enugu: rally venues destroyed, members shot

The PDP and the NDC have both reported attacks on their members in Enugu State. Videos in circulation show canopies and chairs set up for rallies destroyed, with voices in them blaming the APC. Several people were reportedly wounded by gunfire in one attack on NDC members, and some were still in hospital at the time of the report.

Security expert: "This is not democracy"

Speaking to DAILY POST, security expert Donatus Igi urged security agencies to act before the elections, warning that unchecked thuggery could undermine the polls. He pointed to the build-up to the recent Osun State governorship election, during which more than 40 people were reportedly killed by thugs.

"Political violence has always been a part of our elections, but I think we are having the worst of it these days. The campaign has not even started properly, and many people are being attacked already. This is not democracy."

Igi said some security agencies were compromised and called on candidates to avoid provocative statements, suggesting that the Department of State Services (DSS) invite any candidate whose speech could cause unrest. He also questioned why young people, whom he described as the main victims of bad governance, allow themselves to be used as thugs.

"The person who is giving you N5,000 to go and attack another person, where are his children? Why can't he send his own children?" he asked, adding that parents also have a role to play in keeping their children away from violence.

Opposition supporters urged to stand firm

Businessman Isaac Fayose, however, urged opposition supporters to resist the attacks and stay united against what he called oppression. "If we can all come out to say enough is enough, they will stop," he said, pointing to Delta as an example he wants supporters in Benue, Kaduna and other states to follow.

With the general elections set for January and February, the string of incidents has deepened concern over the level of violence Nigerians could see before, during and after the polls.