The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the growing cases of political violence, attacks and disruptions of political activities across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers expressed concern over reports of violent attacks targeting political meetings, rallies, processions and supporters of different political parties in several states.
They warned that the situation could threaten public safety, discourage political participation and undermine confidence in the country’s electoral process if urgent steps were not taken.
Politics Nigeria reports that the decision followed a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi, alongside 16 other lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary.
Following deliberations on the matter, the House constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and establish the factors responsible for the growing tension surrounding political activities.
The committee will be chaired by the Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere. It has been given three weeks to investigate the incidents and submit its findings and recommendations to the House.
Other members of the committee include the Minority Leader, the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, as well as two additional lawmakers drawn from the two committees.
Presenting the motion on behalf of the sponsors, Agbedi condemned the use of violence, threats, intimidation and physical attacks against individuals participating in lawful political activities.
He maintained that political disagreements should not become an excuse for assaulting opponents, destroying property or preventing citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
The lawmaker stressed that the right to participate in political activities must be protected, regardless of party affiliation or the political interests involved.
He also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint during the electioneering period.
He urged political leaders to discourage inflammatory statements and ensure that their supporters do not engage in actions capable of threatening public peace.
Agbedi further called on political organisations to cooperate with security agencies and respect the rights of other parties to organise meetings, rallies and public gatherings without intimidation.
He drew attention to Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees citizens the freedom to assemble and associate with others.
The provision also protects the right of Nigerians to form or belong to political parties and participate in lawful associations.
According to the Minority Leader, these constitutional guarantees would have little meaning if citizens were prevented from exercising them through threats, attacks and other forms of political intimidation.
He also referenced the constitutional responsibility of government to protect the security and welfare of the people.
He argued that the safety of citizens attending political gatherings should not be treated as a matter that can be overlooked.
The lawmaker subsequently urged the House to exercise its investigative powers under Section 88(1) of the Constitution to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and determine whether relevant public authorities had adequately discharged their responsibilities.
Agbedi cited several incidents across the country to demonstrate the concerns raised in the motion.
One of the cases involved the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on September 12, 2026.
According to the details presented to the House, the police reportedly confirmed that two people sustained injuries during the incident, while another person was allegedly killed.
He also recalled an attack on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were travelling to attend a political rally in Katsina State on October 28, 2026.
The incident reportedly led to the arrest of 14 suspects by security operatives. The circumstances surrounding the attack formed part of the incidents the lawmakers want investigated.
Another case highlighted during the proceedings was an attack on an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on November 4, 2026.
Several people were reportedly injured during the incident, raising further concerns about the safety of political supporters attending campaign-related activities.
The Minority Leader also mentioned a violent confrontation during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, 2026.
Police reports cited in the motion indicated that one person lost their life, while five others sustained injuries during the incident.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the incidents were becoming a threat to peaceful political participation, particularly as political parties and their supporters prepare for activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They warned that continued attacks on political gatherings could create an atmosphere of fear, leaving citizens reluctant to attend rallies, meetings and other lawful political events.
The House also raised concerns about the possibility of further casualties if the reported incidents were not properly investigated and those responsible were not held accountable.
However, Agbedi maintained that responsibility for the attacks should not be assigned to any political party or individual without proper investigation.
He called for impartial, thorough and evidence-based investigations to establish what happened in each case, identify those involved and determine whether there were failures by security agencies or other relevant authorities.