The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over rising reports of election-related violence, hate speech and political intimidation in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, raised the concern on Wednesday at the opening of the 2026 Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum in Abuja, warning that such developments could undermine democratic progress and discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process.
Mignot stressed the importance of protecting civic and political spaces, including independent media, peaceful assembly, open public debates and civil society organisations, noting that they enable citizens to scrutinise political candidates and hold public institutions accountable without fear of intimidation.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigerian institutions, particularly the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and civil society organisations in promoting democracy and good governance.
The EU envoy, however, clarified that the bloc’s objective was not to interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process but to support legitimate Nigerian stakeholders in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, warned that restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly could fuel voter apathy, fear and distrust in the political system.
Ojukwu expressed concern over alleged harassment and arbitrary arrests of journalists and human rights defenders, political intimidation, hate speech and the lack of accountability for electoral offences.
He urged relevant authorities to address the challenges before the 2027 elections, warning that perpetrators of electoral violations who escape punishment could encourage further abuses.
In a goodwill message, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, political tolerance and responsible communication.
He warned that political competition must not degenerate into hostility, urging stakeholders to collectively reject electoral violence, hate speech, voter suppression and intimidation in the interest of national peace and credible elections.
