2027: Parties rule out poll postponement over rising insecurity

Nigeria’s opposition parties have raised alarm over the potential impact of worsening insecurity on the 2027 general elections, warning that terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings could undermine democratic participation. With seven months until the polls, groups like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party, Allied Peoples Movement, and Labour Party argued that continued violence may deter voters and exclude displaced citizens from the electoral process. The parties criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to restore security, though they rejected postponement as a solution, calling it a surrender to violent groups. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, highlighted deserted communities due to banditry and terrorism, stressing that INEC must assess the scale of the challenge to protect displaced voters. He warned that without proactive planning, electoral conduct in affected regions could be severely disrupted. Abdullahi dismissed postponement, stating that extending the government’s tenure would not improve security and that the administration has already proven ineffective. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of politicizing insecurity, citing the abduction of pupils and teachers in Esinele, Oyo State, as evidence of the government’s failure to act comprehensively. Ini Ememobong, PDP’s factional National Publicity Secretary, echoed concerns, stating that fear of violence was already influencing political participation. He urged the government to adopt a whole-of-government approach to security, criticizing the lack of direct engagement with affected states like Oyo. Both parties emphasized that without urgent action, the 2027 elections risk becoming unviable in insecure regions.