2027: Akpabio Warns Candidates Against Violence, Intimidation, Divisive Campaigns

By Spotlight African Reporters | Abuja

September 29, 2026

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned politicians and candidates preparing for the 2027 general elections against resorting to violence, intimidation and divisive rhetoric during their campaigns.

Akpabio’s warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the elections, with concerns growing over inflammatory statements and incidents capable of heightening tensions.

The Senate President urged political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and focus on issues rather than actions that could threaten peace and democratic participation. 

His position comes amid broader calls from political and civic actors for peaceful, issue-based campaigns as the 2027 electoral season progresses. The National Peace Committee has also encouraged political parties and candidates to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, personal attacks and conduct capable of provoking violence. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has similarly warned against inflammatory campaign language, with Nigeria's electoral framework prohibiting abusive or provocative campaign language likely to stir violent reactions or inflame ethnic, religious or sectional tensions. 

Akpabio’s latest warning therefore places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of candidates and their supporters to pursue political competition peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, stakeholders have increasingly stressed the need for campaigns centred on policies, programmes and issues affecting Nigerians rather than intimidation or violence.

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