KEY POINTS
- The EU has raised concerns about election-related violence, hate speech and political intimidation.
- It is preparing additional funding to strengthen human rights protection and democratic participation.
- An Afrobarometer survey found that 79% of Nigerians anticipate political violence during the 2027 elections.
The European Union has expressed concern over rising reports of election-related violence, hate speech and political intimidation in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that restrictions on civic freedoms could weaken public confidence in the democratic process.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, raised the concerns on Wednesday, Nov. 11, during the 2026 Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum in Abuja.
According to The Guardian Nigeria, Mignot said the EU was preparing a new project with additional funding to support human rights protection and democratic governance in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission. He described the forum as timely, given growing concerns about the safety of citizens, journalists, civil society organisations and other participants in Nigeria’s political environment.
The ambassador stressed that the EU’s intervention was not intended to interfere in the country’s electoral process but to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian institutions and stakeholders to support credible elections.
Civic freedoms under growing pressure
Mignot warned that restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and public participation could undermine citizens’ ability to engage meaningfully in the electoral process.
He also emphasised the importance of independent media and active civil society organisations in holding political leaders accountable. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission raised concerns about harassment, arbitrary arrests and the misuse of legislation against journalists, civil society groups and human rights defenders.
The commission’s Executive Secretary, Anthony Ojukwu, identified political intimidation, hate speech, incitement and restrictions on digital platforms as additional threats to democratic participation.
He also disclosed that the commission’s September 2026 human rights dashboard recorded 338,810 complaints of human rights violations across its 38 offices nationwide. The commission said it was strengthening its monitoring arrangements ahead of the elections.
Survey highlights concerns about 2027 polls
The concerns come amid growing public anxiety about the credibility and safety of the next general elections. An Afrobarometer survey conducted with NOIPolls found that 89% of Nigerians considered vote buying likely during the 2027 elections. Additionally, 79% anticipated political violence, while the same proportion expressed concern that valid votes might not be counted.
About 78% also feared that political parties and candidates would disregard electoral laws or that incorrect results would be announced. However, the survey indicated that many Nigerians still intended to participate in the elections despite their concerns.
The National Human Rights Commission said its Human Rights Election Situation Room would operate around the clock during the election period, with monitors deployed to identified hotspots. The EU has pledged to study the recommendations emerging from the forum and work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen protections.
As political activities intensify, the protection of civic freedoms and the prevention of electoral violence remain important challenges for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.