Electoral violence remains a persistent challenge to Nigeria’s democracy, significantly undermining the credibility of elections and discouraging voter participation. Incidents of ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and violent attacks have become predictable during election periods. Despite the existence of legal frameworks designed to address such issues, perpetrators often escape justice, fostering a Culture of impunity. Many citizens, fearful for their safety, choose to stay away from polling stations, while political thugs operate with impunity, knowing law enforcement either ignores or colludes with them. This ongoing issue weakens the democratic process, eroding public trust and confidence in the election results.
In sn interview with THIS DAY, Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, outlined several key factors that contribute to political unrest in Nigeria. She identified regional conflicts, such as religious insurgencies in the North, political cults in the South, and inter-communal tensions as major contributors. These issues create a volatile environment where aggression is used as a tool to manipulate voting outcomes. Tactics such as ballot snatching and voter intimidation are often employed to sway results. Additionally, the excessive deployment of Security forces during election periods escalates tensions, creating an atmosphere of fear in communities. Baiyewu emphasised that weak institutional structures and a lack of accountability make elections a high-stakes and violent contest, further fueling the cycle of unrest.
Social media contributes to violent elections.
Beyond physical confrontations, the spread of Misinformation and hate speech, particularly on social media, poses another threat to peaceful elections. Politicians and their supporters often exploit ethnic and religious divides to incite tensions, using inflammatory rhetoric that stirs conflict. These actions lead to long-term instability, with post-election unrest becoming more common. The role of Social Media in amplifying these divisions cannot be overstated, as false narratives spread rapidly, convincing voters that the polls are rigged or unfairly tilted against certain groups. This culture of misinformation not only destabilises the voting process but also deepens societal divides, making it harder to achieve lasting peace.
In response to this escalating conflict, Global Rights launched the Incident Centre for Election Atrocities (ICEA), a platform dedicated to documenting incidents of electoral malpractice and demanding accountability. The organisation has released critical reports, such as “Weapons of Lies and Hate” and “In Pursuit of Justice,” highlighting the role of hate speech and aggression in elections. Baiyewu stressed the importance of pushing for global attention to the issue, raising awareness to foster a culture of accountability and encouraging Nigerians to reject electoral violence and demand peaceful, fair voting.
Stronger law enforcement is needed to combat violence.
Furthermore, certain states, such as Rivers and Lagos, are notorious for election-related unrest, where intimidation, the destruction of polling units, and violent confrontations are common. In these areas, political conflict is often driven by the desire to secure a specific candidate’s victory or suppress voter turnout in rival strongholds. The repeated nature of such incidents underscores the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and political will to prevent these disturbances. Without these measures, Nigeria will continue to face chaotic elections, where Political Violence dictates the outcome rather than the will of the people.
To combat this crisis, both preventive and corrective measures are essential. Security forces must be trained to act impartially, ensuring that they protect voters rather than further political interests. The Judiciary must also take a stronger role in prosecuting offenders swiftly and efficiently. Also, public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the dangers of election-day disruptions and encourage them to hold authorities accountable. Independent voting monitoring, through both local and international observers, is critical in deterring malpractices. Additionally, political parties should be held accountable for the actions of their supporters, with harsher penalties, such as disqualification, for those linked to aggressive acts.
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Ultimately, Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive if elections are free from coercion, manipulation, and force. Strengthening electoral institutions, enforcing existing laws, and promoting peaceful political participation are essential steps to break the cycle of voting-related violence. These measures are crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring that elections reflect the true will of the people. Until decisive actions are taken to address the root causes of election violence, Nigeria risks reinforcing a dangerous precedent where intimidation, coercion, and manipulation determine outcomes, rather than the democratic process.