Fresh concerns are emerging over the resurgence of political thuggery across parts of Nigeria as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, with security experts warning that the growing trend could threaten public safety, undermine democratic participation and jeopardise the credibility of the electoral process.

The development has sparked calls for urgent intervention by security agencies, political parties and electoral stakeholders to prevent a repeat of election-related violence and ensure a peaceful, free and credible poll.

Efforts to obtain comments from senior officials of the Nigeria Police Force on the issue were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to enquiries.

The alarm comes amid increasing reports of violent attacks involving political rivals and allegations that some convicted gang members are being released from correctional facilities under the guise of executive clemency, only to be recruited as political enforcers ahead of the next election cycle.

In Osun State, accusations and counter-accusations of intimidation, harassment and politically motivated arrests have heightened tensions, raising fears that the political atmosphere could become more volatile as the 2027 elections approach.

Similar concerns have surfaced in Delta State, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s protocol aide, Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple, and the Commissioner for Works (Urban/Highways), Reuben Izeze, were recently attacked during a Delta Central APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.

There are also allegations that some political office holders and aspirants are facilitating the release of jailed militia members through executive clemency or political amnesty arrangements to strengthen their political structures. In Kano State, reports have linked some of those allegedly released to various Yan Daba groups, street gangs often associated with criminal activities and drug abuse.

Reacting to the development, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, warned that growing political desperation among politicians could fuel widespread violence if urgent preventive measures are not taken.

According to him, the attack on the Delta governor’s aide, coupled with the apparent absence of immediate security intervention, highlights the seriousness of the threat.

“The politicians are the ones stockpiling arms, and the security agencies must ensure that these weapons are recovered. There should also be close monitoring of desperate political actors, particularly by intelligence agencies,” Ejiofor said.

He stressed that credible elections remain one of the strongest safeguards against political violence.

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“If INEC conducts a credible election, many of them will not emerge victorious, which is why they are attempting to manipulate the process. They are doing everything possible to ensure they win, but they will also face the full weight of the security agencies,” he added.

Echoing similar concerns, former Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Lawrence Alobi (Rtd), called on the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms before the commencement of election activities.

Alobi warned that the widespread availability of illicit weapons remains one of the greatest threats to peaceful elections and national security.

“The proliferation of illegal arms remains a major concern. The Police should establish a dedicated task force to identify, recover and remove illegal arms from unauthorised persons. If this is done before the election, it will go a long way towards curbing violence, particularly the use of firearms against innocent citizens,” he said.

He further urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, closely monitor political actors and ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws to deter violence and misconduct.

Also weighing in on the issue, security analyst Umar Bologi stressed the need for security and intelligence agencies to adopt a proactive strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, waiting to respond after violence erupts would be counterproductive, noting that early intelligence gathering, risk assessment and preventive operations are critical to safeguarding the electoral process.

With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, analysts warn that failure to address the growing signs of political thuggery could undermine public confidence in the electoral system and threaten the stability of the country’s democratic process.

As concerns continue to mount, stakeholders are calling for swift and coordinated action to dismantle armed political networks, curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and ensure that the 2027 general election is conducted in a peaceful and transparent environment.