2027 Election: Tinubu Supporters Clash With ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Group as Violence Concerns Spread

According to a report by Vanguard on Saturday 24 October 2026, there have been reports of attacks on party meetings, rallies, and supporters in multiple states of Nigeria, which has led to heightened political tensions in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a rally in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, members of the “Tinubu Must Go” movement allegedly clashed with supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, “Tinubu Must Come,” adding fuel to the fire.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties have both reported attacks on their supporters and campaign facilities, as well as intimidation, assaults, and disruptions of political gatherings in various states including Lagos, Enugu, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Cross River, and Osun.

At a defection ceremony in Lagos, where members were transferring to the ADC, masked men allegedly broke into the party secretariat, smashed furniture and party flags, and injured several attendees. Meanwhile, in Rivers, the ADC claimed that one of its members had been murdered as they were getting ready for a political gathering.

Attacks on political gatherings in Enugu and Cross River are among the other reported incidents. Some political figures have allegedly threatened opposition supporters, but government officials have denied these claims, so unbiased investigations are needed.

Recent events have brought back unpleasant memories of the violent 2023 elections, when many believed that voters in Lagos were the targets of physical threats and intimidation. Observers of the polls also recorded instances of suppression of the vote and other forms of violence.

In response, Joash Amupitan, chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stated that in order to keep an eye out for political violence, thuggery, and hate speech leading up to the 2027 elections, the commission had activated an early-warning system.

He admonished political players not to let election campaigns turn violent, saying that no office in Nigeria was worth risking the lives of its citizens for.

In the meantime, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group cautioned that foreign investment and Nigeria’s international reputation could take a hit if the country experiences insecurity during the upcoming elections.

Stronger security measures, impartial investigations, and accountability for individuals responsible for attacks and intimidation are demands from political parties and civil society groups as they continue to prepare for the 2027 elections.

The main issue is whether the electoral authorities and security forces can stop the violence from getting worse and make sure that both politicians and voters can cast their ballots without fear.

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