The United Nations has demanded violence-free elections in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the polls must not become sources of instability.
Leonardo Santos Simão, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He urged Nigerians to see the election as a democratic process to promote peace, national cohesion and development.
Simão said the UN recognised the enormous responsibility facing INEC, particularly amid security challenges confronting Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region.
“We are here, pleased to give you moral support, that you are not alone in facing this mammoth task,” he said.
Simão clarified that the UN would not participate as an election observer because it had no mandate to undertake election observation.
However, he said the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 elections would have implications beyond its borders, particularly for democratic stability, regional integration and peace in West Africa.
Obi’s Convoy Attacked in Calabar
The UN’s call came as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), condemned an attack on his convoy by suspected thugs in Calabar, Cross River State.
The attack occurred on Wednesday at about 2:20 p.m. at the Watt Market Roundabout as the convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of a town hall meeting .
A viral 30-second video showed attackers, mostly dressed in black shirts and face coverings, using machetes to damage vehicles in the convoy.
Obi recounted how he witnessed the attack and said his security team advised him to take another route after the assailants armed themselves with machetes and other weapons.
The former Anambra State governor arrived in Calabar alongside his wife, Margaret, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The Cross River State Police Command said it arrested a 27-year-old man, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the attack .
Police personnel deployed in the area used tear gas to contain the situation, leading to the arrest while other attackers fled.
The suspect was taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and arrest other participants.
The police cautioned that the arrest did not amount to a determination of guilt, saying the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Police Avert Clash Between NDC and APC Supporters
The police said they averted a potential clash between NDC supporters and those of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar.
NDC supporters had gathered in front of the Metropolitan Hotel where Obi was expected.
APC supporters were on a road walk towards the Governor’s Office when they encountered the NDC supporters.
The atmosphere became charged when the APC supporters stopped in front of the hotel.
However, police officers deployed to the venue promptly intervened and prevented the situation from degenerating.
IGP Warns Against Destruction of Campaign Materials
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned politicians and their supporters against the destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said those involved would be arrested and prosecuted.
He expressed concern over increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of political campaign materials across the country.
The police described the development as an act of political intolerance capable of undermining democratic participation.
According to the statement, the destruction of campaign materials may constitute malicious damage under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.
The IGP has directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the FCT to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents.
