By Gabriel Ameh
Concerns over security, voter confidence and the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections have intensified following an alleged attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains in Edo State and a new survey indicating that 84 per cent of Nigerians intend to vote.
The ADC said its Edo Central Senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and other party members escaped unhurt after suspected political thugs allegedly opened fire on their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area.
A party supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, was reportedly injured in the incident and taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment.
The alleged attack occurred during political engagements in the area and was described by the ADC as the third shooting incident involving its entourage in Igueben, following earlier alleged attacks in Wards 4 and 5.
In a statement, ADC Edo State Publicity Secretary Chris Ojeikere alleged that the latest incident formed part of a wider pattern of violence against opposition members and facilities in parts of the state.
However, Igueben Local Government Council Chairman Endurance Azemegbe denied involvement in the incident, saying he was not in the area when it occurred and only learnt about it from journalists.
Azemegbe said he would investigate the matter, describing Igueben as a peaceful community.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, also said the command could not immediately confirm the incident, adding that police would intervene once a formal report was made.
84% Say They Intend to Vote
The development comes as Yiaga Africa’s third National Voting Intentions Survey found that 84 per cent of Nigerians interviewed said they intended to vote in the 2027 general elections.
The survey was based on interviews with 2,470 Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the unveiling of the report, Yiaga Africa Board Chairman Hussein Abdul said Nigerians remained willing to participate in the electoral process despite insecurity, distrust in institutions and concerns over vote buying.
However, the survey found that security remains a major concern. Sixty-one per cent of respondents said fear of violence could prevent them from voting, rising to 78 per cent in the North-East.
The report also found that only 34 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the conduct of credible elections, while 63 per cent reported little or no confidence in the judicial resolution of electoral disputes.
Yiaga Africa urged political parties and other stakeholders to mobilise voters, strengthen civic education and address the factors that could discourage citizens from participating in the election.
Safiya Bichi, Head of Knowledge Management and Learning at Yiaga Africa, said the findings showed that Nigerians had not abandoned democracy but wanted their votes to count.
She described low voter turnout as a problem of converting willingness to vote into actual participation, with security, trust and money identified as major barriers.
Sowore Demands Better Pay for INEC Workers
Meanwhile, African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called for improved remuneration for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sowore demanded a minimum wage of ₦500,000 for INEC workers, arguing that electoral officials responsible for conducting elections should have decent working conditions.
He also warned that he could boycott the 2027 elections if concerns about the welfare of INEC personnel remained unresolved.
His comments followed a disclosure by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan that personnel of the electoral commission were among the least-paid workers in Nigeria.
ADC Raises PVC Collection Concerns
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council has also urged INEC to address challenges surrounding the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the election.
The council called for PVC collection to be decentralised to ward level, longer collection hours and the use of technology to notify voters when their cards are ready.
ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan argued that voter registration figures would have limited significance if eligible citizens were unable to obtain their PVCs before election day.
He also urged INEC to maintain independence and neutrality in the conduct of the 2027 elections.
With political activities already intensifying, the latest developments highlight the major issues likely to shape the 2027 elections — security, voter confidence, access to PVCs, electoral integrity and citizens’ willingness to participate.
Credits: Yiaga Africa / Nigeria Police Force / African Democratic Congress / NAN
Note: Claims concerning the alleged Edo attack remain allegations by the ADC and had not been independently confirmed by police at the time of the report.
