Escalating Pre-Election Violence in Nigeria Raises Concerns Ahead of 2023 General Elections

Strategic Insights -

Concerns have been raised about escalating pre-election violence in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections. The violence, which has been attributed to various parties and candidates, has resulted in injured individuals, destroyed property, and fear of potential post-election violence. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been petitioned to investigate cases of pre-election violence, and the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, has warned politicians to desist from acts capable of derailing the elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • 44% of the September Peace Accord's violations were carried out by the spokespersons for political parties.
  • 26% were carried out by party members.
  • 19% were carried out by the presidential candidates themselves.
  • 11% were carried out by hardcore supporters.
  • 4% were carried out by the chairmen of the parties.
  • The signing of the Peace Accord was organised by the National Peace Committee and the Kukah Leadership Centre.
  • The accord is to guarantee the conduct of free, fair, credible, transparent, and verifiable elections cognizant of the need to maintain a peaceful environment before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.
  • President Muhammadu Buhari urged all contestants to have confidence in the legal system and not resort to violence after the election results are announced.
  • The Labour Party in Lagos was also attacked, with four members injured.
  • The incident was described as "reprehensible" by the image maker in charge of the state Police Command.
  • Cases of election-related violence are rarely investigated by the Nigerian authorities, and victims continue to be denied access to justice and effective remedies.
  • The Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, has recorded 52 cases of political violence since the commencement of the campaign for the 2023 elections.
  • Violence manifests in three forms: targeted violence against INEC personnel and assets, inter-party intolerance and violence, and political intolerance by state governors.

Statistics:

  • 44% of September Peace Accord violations were carried out by party spokespersons
  • 26% were carried out by party members
  • 19% were carried out by presidential candidates themselves
  • 11% were carried out by hardcore supporters
  • 4% were carried out by chairmen of parties
  • 52 cases of political violence have been recorded since the commencement of the campaign for the 2023 elections
  • Four members of the Labour Party were injured in an attack

Sources:

  • The National Peace Committee
  • The Kukah Leadership Centre
  • The Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
  • The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • The All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • The Labour Party