More than six decades after independence, electoral violence continues to cast a shadow over Nigeria’s democratic process. Incidents such as ballot box snatching, intimidation, physical attacks, and politically motivated killings have remained recurring features of elections, often occurring before, during, and after voting.

Observers attribute the trend largely to the failure of the political class to embrace democratic values and political tolerance.

One of the deadliest episodes occurred after the 2011 general elections, when violence erupted following the victory of former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party over Muhammadu Buhari, who contested under the Congress for Progressive Change. The unrest reportedly claimed about 800 lives.

The pattern continued in subsequent election cycles. Hundreds of deaths were recorded during the 2015 and 2019 general elections, while data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project documented more than 200 incidents involving political party members and supporters in the year leading up to the 2023 elections. Those incidents reportedly resulted in nearly 100 fatalities.

The electoral process itself has not been spared. Offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were attacked, looted, and set ablaze in different parts of the country. Several electoral officials were also reportedly abducted or killed. According to ACLED, there were 44 recorded attacks involving INEC facilities and personnel between January 2021 and February 2023.

With the 2027 elections approaching, fresh incidents of political violence have again raised concerns. Political thugs have reportedly targeted opposition politicians and their supporters at various events in states including Edo, Rivers, Lagos, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Ekiti.

Among the affected groups is the African Democratic Congress, which has seen some of its party offices attacked and set on fire in different locations. These developments have heightened fears about the possibility of increased violence as the next election cycle draws nearer.

Recent clashes in Osun State have further underscored those concerns. On June 9, violence broke out between supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress in several parts of Osogbo, including Owode-Ede, Aisu, Aregbesola, Old Garage, Olaiya, and Oke-Fia.

Residents reportedly fled for safety as the clashes left one person feared dead and several others injured. The incident occurred ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.

Following the violence, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC Campaign Council exchanged accusations over responsibility for the unrest, which was said to have originated during a political walk organised by the APC in support of its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Osun State has a long history of election-related violence. During the governorship and House of Assembly elections held on April 14, 2007, about 12 people reportedly lost their lives in communities including Ikirun, Igbajo, Ila-Orangun, Ile-Ife, and Ilesa while attempting to resist ballot box theft by political thugs.

More recently, gunmen believed to be linked to political interests reportedly killed a youth in Ikire, while the chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo narrowly escaped an attack after gunmen opened fire on him.

Electoral violence often thrives where there are perceptions of manipulation, bias, or attempts to influence outcomes in favour of particular candidates or parties. Such actions weaken public trust in democracy and discourage voter participation.

The high stakes associated with political office are also frequently cited as a major factor. With substantial benefits attached to public positions, some politicians are willing to deploy violence and other unlawful means to secure victory.

Critics argue that the struggle for political office is often driven less by public service and more by access to power, influence, and public resources.

As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, there is growing consensus that stronger measures are needed to safeguard elections and protect voters.

Creating a level playing field for all parties and candidates remains a key responsibility of INEC. Electoral processes must be transparent, fair, and free from any perception of bias.

Security agencies also have a critical role to play by acting professionally, impartially, and within the confines of the law while ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials.

Political parties, candidates, and their supporters must reject the use of violence and comply fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Democratic competition should be based on ideas, policies, and performance rather than intimidation and coercion.

Citizens, too, have a responsibility to reject attempts by politicians to exploit them for violent purposes and should hold leaders accountable through the ballot box.

For Nigeria to deepen its democratic gains and strengthen public confidence in elections, all stakeholders must work together to ensure that future polls are peaceful, credible, and reflective of the will of the people.