Nigeria’s House of Representatives has launched an investigation into growing violence at political rallies, meetings and processions across the country, following reports of deaths, injuries and attacks on party supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution was adopted on Thursday, November 12, 2026, after lawmakers considered a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by House Minority Leader Frederick Agbedi, representing Bayelsa State, and 16 other lawmakers.
The House directed its relevant committees to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of political violence and recommend measures to prevent further attacks.
The investigation is expected to cover reported incidents in several states, including Delta, Nasarawa, Katsina, Enugu and Cross River, where political gatherings and supporters have allegedly been targeted.
According to the lawmakers, the rising incidents of political violence pose a threat to democratic participation and could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Reps Order Three-Week Investigation Into Political Violence
Following the adoption of the motion, the House constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the reported attacks and submit its findings within three weeks.
The committee is chaired by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, with Agbedi serving as deputy chairman. Its membership also includes chairmen and deputy chairmen of the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, alongside additional members drawn from the committees.
The lawmakers are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents, identify possible causes and recommend measures to improve security at political gatherings.
The investigation comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify preparations, consultations and mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Agbedi Cites Attacks in Delta, Nasarawa and Other States
Presenting the motion, Agbedi expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation and destruction of property connected with political activities.
He cited an attack during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, which police reportedly said resulted in one death and five injuries.
The lawmaker also referred to violence at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on November 4, where several participants were reportedly injured.
In Katsina State, Agbedi cited an attack on APC supporters travelling to a political rally on October 28. According to the motion, police reportedly arrested 14 suspects in connection with the incident.
He further raised concerns over the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on September 12, where two attendees were reportedly injured and one person allegedly killed.
The lawmaker also mentioned reports of political violence in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the concerns presented to the House.
The incidents, according to the motion, demonstrate the need for a coordinated investigation into violence associated with political gatherings.
Reps Warn Political Attacks Could Undermine 2027 Elections
Agbedi warned that attacks on political supporters and the disruption of lawful gatherings could discourage Nigerians from participating in democratic activities.
He said violence, intimidation and destruction of property connected with political events could lead to further loss of lives and injuries while weakening public confidence in the electoral process.
The Minority Leader also highlighted the constitutional rights of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including forming or belonging to political parties.
The lawmaker argued that citizens should be able to participate in lawful political activities without fear of intimidation, harassment or physical attacks.
He also called for the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents to be established through impartial and evidence-based investigations.
Agbedi cautioned against prematurely identifying individuals or groups as responsible for the violence without credible evidence.
House Condemns Violence Against Political Supporters
In its resolution, the House condemned violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property connected with political rallies, processions, meetings and other lawful political activities.
The lawmakers stressed that condemnation applies regardless of the political party or individuals affected by the attacks.
The House also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, discourage violence and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining public order.
Lawmakers said political competition should not result in attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
The resolution further emphasised the responsibility of political actors to promote peaceful participation as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Political Violence Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The investigation follows growing concerns over the safety of political gatherings across Nigeria.
Recent reports of attacks on party supporters, disruptions of political meetings and violence during processions have renewed calls for stronger security measures and accountability.
Political violence has historically been a major concern during election periods in Nigeria, with attacks on supporters and campaign activities sometimes resulting in injuries, deaths and destruction of property.
The latest intervention by the House is intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and identify measures that could prevent further violence.
The three-week deadline gives the ad hoc committee a limited period to investigate the cases and present recommendations to lawmakers.
The findings could help guide further legislative action and security measures aimed at protecting political gatherings ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reps Seek Peaceful Political Participation Ahead of 2027
The House of Representatives has reiterated the importance of peaceful political activities and cooperation among parties, candidates, supporters and security agencies.
Lawmakers urged political actors to reject violence and ensure that political disagreements are addressed through lawful and democratic means.
They also called on security agencies to remain alert and respond appropriately to threats against political gatherings.
The committee’s findings are expected to provide further insight into the reported attacks and help lawmakers determine what measures may be necessary to protect citizens and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
As political activities increase ahead of 2027, the House says Nigerians must be able to attend rallies, meetings and processions without fear of violence or intimidation.
The investigation is therefore expected to focus not only on the reported incidents but also on identifying practical steps to prevent a recurrence.
The outcome will be closely watched as political parties begin preparations for another major election cycle.
