ABUJA — A leading Nigerian civil society organization has urged authorities to crack down on inflammatory language, intimidation, and online abuse targeted at political rivals and female candidates as campaigns heat up for the country’s 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Friday, the Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO) warned that a surge in verbal threats and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (T-fGBV) risks suppressing voter turnout and sidelining marginalized groups ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential and parliamentary ballots. Campaigning for the national elections officially opened on August 19.
While policy debates between the ruling party and opposition groups have begun, GRACO noted that some political actors are resorting to destructive mobilization tactics despite the signing of a National Peace Accord.” This upsurge in acerbic, destructive and intimidating forms of mobilization, if not effectively deterred, could undermine the participation of marginalized groups in the elections,” said Armsfree Ajanaku, Executive Director of GRACO.Incites and threats recorded.
The rights watchdog highlighted several recent incidents across the country as evidence of a “systemic pattern” aimed at voter suppression:
Federal Capital Territory: A verified video clip circulating online appears to show Samuel Shekwolo, Chairman of the Kuje Area Council in Abuja, telling residents who do not plan to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area.
Osun State: Senator Francis Fadahunsi reportedly urged supporters at a political rally to target rival political party members.
Abia State: Doris Ogala, the governorship candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has faced persistent online harassment and gender-based verbal attacks aimed at undermining her candidacy.GRACO argued that a lack of decisive action by state bodies has only emboldened perpetrators.
Calls for legal action
The group called on Nigerian law enforcement agencies — including the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) — to urgently investigate and prosecute those responsible.
GRACO pointed to Section 97 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026, which explicitly prohibits political candidates or parties from using force or intimidation to compel voters. Under the law, individuals found guilty of issuing campaign threats face fines of up to 5 million naira ($3,100) or a 12-month prison sentence, while political parties face fines starting at 10 million naira.”This call for action, deterrence, and accountability is necessary to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens as guaranteed by international, regional, and national legal frameworks,” Mr. Ajanaku said, referencing protections under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Nigerian Constitution.
With five months remaining before voters head to the polls, election monitors say swift legal interventions will be critical to ensuring a free, fair, and safe electoral environment.
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