The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called for peaceful and hitch-free general elections in Nigeria in 2027.
The organisation, through its Peace and Security Early Warning Mechanism, said it was concerned about what it described as “inflammatory and intimidating political rhetoric” emerging as Nigeria approaches the 2027 General Elections.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa said recent remarks attributed to some political figures in some states against persons allegedly perceived to be standing in the way of a particular party’s electoral objectives had prompted Amnesty International Nigeria to call for action by security agencies.
The organisation said the concern went beyond any individual or political party, stressing that threats, incitement and intimidation by any political actor should attract equal scrutiny.
“Section 97 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 prohibits direct or indirect threats of force or violence during political campaigns to compel support for, or opposition to, a political party or candidate.
“ITUC-Africa therefore calls on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other competent agencies to promptly and impartially investigate credible allegations of threats of electoral violence and, where violations are established, ensure accountability through due process,” Odigie said.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remind all political parties and candidates of their obligations under the Electoral Act and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
According to him, the Code requires parties to cooperate towards peaceful and orderly elections and prohibits the possession of weapons at polling stations.
“Political parties must discipline officials and supporters whose conduct threatens peaceful democratic competition.
“Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected under Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution, but that freedom carries responsibility.
“Political speech must not become the equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded hall: rhetoric capable of intimidating citizens or encouraging violence cannot be normalised as ordinary campaigning,” he said.
Odigie also urged INEC to strengthen its preparations for the 2027 elections, particularly in the areas of voter registration, the integrity of the voters’ register and voter education.
He said weaknesses in these areas could prevent eligible citizens from participating meaningfully in the electoral process.
“INEC itself has acknowledged persistent challenges in the voters’ register and announced a nationwide revalidation exercise, while committing to expand voter education ahead of 2027,” Odigie said.
He said such measures must be implemented transparently and urgently to ensure that administrative weaknesses did not undermine citizens’ right to vote.
Odigie said Nigeria was also entering the electoral period amid continuing terrorism, communal conflicts and other security challenges.
He cited a recent pre-election assessment which identified terrorist attacks, political violence and broader insecurity among the risks to meaningful democratic participation.
ITUC-Africa called on political leaders not to create an atmosphere that could be exploited by extremists and other armed groups.
“For Nigeria, peace is not simply an electoral aspiration; it is a vital national, economic and social asset.
“Electoral violence destroys livelihoods, weakens institutions and places workers and communities in danger,” Odigie said.
