Following mounting concerns over increasing political violence and attacks on party supporters in parts of the country, Guard Time Information (GTI), has called on political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify efforts to prevent violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The human rights activist organisation warned that attacks on political supporters, destruction of campaign posters, disruption of political gatherings and intimidation of opponents could heighten political tension, threaten public safety and undermine confidence in the country’s democratic process if left unchecked.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Comrade Bibi Oduku, GTI urged Nigerians, particularly youths and political supporters, to reject political thuggery, embrace peaceful political participation and respect the rights of individuals with opposing political views.

Oduku called on security agencies, federal and state governments, human rights organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders to work collectively towards preventing electoral violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.

He specifically cautioned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to attack opponents, destroy campaign materials or disrupt lawful political activities.

According to him, political differences should not become an excuse for violence, intimidation or the destruction of lives and property.

The organisation also highlighted the responsibility of political, traditional and religious leaders in discouraging violence among their followers, urging them to use their positions of influence to promote tolerance, peaceful engagement and respect for democratic principles.

For Honourable Edegbe Sunday,  community and religious leaders must take proactive steps to educate their followers on the dangers of political violence, noting that its consequences often extend beyond election periods and leave lasting divisions within communities.

Similarly, Honourable Atafo Oise Gold appealed to Nigerians not to allow political affiliations to destroy longstanding relationships, community unity and peaceful coexistence.

He maintained that electoral victory should be pursued through credible leadership, constructive engagement, effective mobilisation and public acceptance rather than intimidation, bloodshed or the destruction of property.

…GTI Vows Legal Action Against Electoral Offenders

Also, in a strong warning to individuals who may engage in electoral offences, Barrister Musa Bala said GTI was prepared to pursue appropriate legal action against perpetrators of political violence, intimidation, electoral manipulation and other violations of electoral laws.

He urged political contestants, parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being recruited by desperate politicians to perpetrate violence during electioneering activities.

Speaking also, Barr. Muhammad Yakubu said legal practitioners working with the organisation across the country were prepared to provide legal support and pursue cases involving electoral violence, harassment, intimidation, corruption and other electoral violations.

He argued that efforts to secure credible and peaceful elections should begin well before the commencement of the election period, rather than waiting until violence and other electoral offences had occurred.

The organisation’s position, he said, was that individuals accused of electoral violations should be investigated through lawful procedures, with appropriate legal action taken where evidence establishes wrongdoing.

…Religious, Traditional Leaders Urged to Support Peace Initiatives

Rev. Amb. Samuel Ikpea expressed concern over the loss of lives associated with electoral violence in Nigeria, warning against allowing political aggression to become an accepted feature of democratic participation, particularly among younger generations.

He encouraged citizens who witness or experience political intimidation, electoral violence, manipulation or other electoral offences to report such incidents to the appropriate security agencies and human rights organisations.

Ikpea also invited affected individuals to seek assistance through GTI’s official website.

Senior Patron of the organisation, Alhaji Mohammed Bababusa, emphasised the need for effective security and safety arrangements before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

He called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and ensure that Nigerians understand the legal consequences of electoral violence, political thuggery, intimidation and other electoral offences.

Bababusa further urged journalists, human rights advocates and legal practitioners to remain committed to protecting vulnerable citizens and defending fundamental human rights throughout the electoral process.

He stressed that consistent law enforcement, proper investigations and public accountability were essential to addressing electoral violence.

Alhaji Ahmed Idi Barda Gubana also called for stronger cooperation among political contestants, religious institutions, traditional rulers and community leaders to promote peaceful political participation, particularly among youths.

He urged political actors to embrace tolerance, respect opposing opinions and pursue their ambitions through lawful democratic strategies.

Gubana further proposed joint peacebuilding initiatives, seminars and public awareness campaigns involving security agencies, political party representatives, youth organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and human rights groups.

GTI Calls for Credible Evidence, Responsible Reporting

Meanwhile, Hon. Dr Uzuegbu Uchechi emphasised the importance of credible information, intelligence gathering and proper documentation in addressing electoral malpractice and related offences.

He encouraged citizens to provide verifiable evidence whenever they witness electoral intimidation, corruption, manipulation or other violations, stressing that properly documented evidence should be submitted through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

He also cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified allegations, fabricated information and misleading reports capable of creating unnecessary political tension.

Hon. Abdullahi Idi Garba appealed to Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political divides to embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding, noting that the country’s democratic development depends on the collective responsibility of its citizens and leaders.

He also observed that the conduct of the 2027 general elections would be significant to Nigeria’s democratic reputation and international image.

Oduku Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights and Electoral Accountability

In his concluding remarks, Oduku reaffirmed GUARD TIME INFORMATION’s commitment to advocating against electoral violence, political intimidation, corruption, oppression and unlawful attacks on citizens and their property.

He said the organisation would continue engaging government institutions, security agencies, legal practitioners, human rights organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political participation and protect the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

He reiterated that political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into hostility, violence or attacks on citizens simply because they support different candidates or political parties.

The organisation called on political parties, aspirants, supporters and the general public to respect democratic principles, conduct peaceful campaigns and support credible, free, fair and peaceful elections in 2027.

It further urged security agencies to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that individuals found culpable of electoral offences are held accountable in accordance with the law.

GTI maintained that no political ambition should come at the expense of human life, public safety and national unity.

The organisation concluded with a call for collective action against electoral violence, emphasising that protecting lives, defending democratic values and maintaining national peace must remain shared responsibilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Peaceful elections are a collective responsibility. Let us protect lives, defend democracy and build a safer Nigeri,” GTI concluded.