By Palma Ileye
Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON) has raised concerns over the recent attacks on opposition political figures and their supporters, warning that Nigeria cannot have free and credible elections without freedom for political parties to organise and campaign.
This was disclosed in a statement jointly endorsed by the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON), ActionAid Nigeria, CentreLSD and Abuja School of Political and Social Thoughts.
The group specifically condemned the attacks involving the African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on October 30, and the attack on the convoy of former Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State, on November 4.
It also expressed concern over the alleged obstruction of Obi’s movement in Benue State and reports of intimidation and attacks involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State.
In the statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, MOT!ON said the incidents pointed to a growing threat to political freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It said Sowore and members of his team sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised following the attack in Ekiti, adding that 11 suspects had been arrested.
The group also noted that suspected attackers armed with dangerous objects damaged vehicles in Obi’s convoy in Calabar, while the police had confirmed an arrest.
While acknowledging the arrests as necessary steps, MOT!ON called for comprehensive investigations to establish whether the attacks were organised or sponsored and identify those who may have financed, facilitated or enabled them.
It further demanded that any public official or security personnel found to have participated in or aided the attacks should be held accountable.
The organisation maintained that Sections 95 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2026 placed an obligation on the police to protect political gatherings, expressing concern that repeated attacks suggested a failure to discharge that responsibility.
According to the group, a credible election goes beyond having candidates on the ballot, as political parties and their candidates must be able to travel, organise meetings, address communities and mobilise supporters without intimidation or violence.
It warned that attacks on political candidates and their supporters ultimately undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
MOT!ON further cited the National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS 3.0), released by Yiaga Africa, which indicated that 84 per cent of Nigerians were likely or very likely to vote in the 2027 general elections, while 61 per cent said fear of violence could prevent them from voting.
It also referenced the National Peace Committee’s report of 60 election-related incidents recorded between August 19 and September 19, 2026, including attacks on political activities, intimidation, threats and other forms of political violence.
The group described the developments as a serious test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly their ability to protect political competition against intimidation, impunity and the possible partisan use of security agencies.
It stressed that defending the democratic rights of opposition politicians did not amount to endorsing their political programmes or overlooking their shortcomings, adding that the same constitutional protections should apply to all political parties, journalists, activists, trade unionists and ordinary citizens.
MOT!ON urged trade unions, student organisations, community associations, professional bodies and civil society groups to resist the normalisation of political intimidation through peaceful and organised actions.
It also called on communities and political organisations to document credible incidents, preserve evidence, support victims and demand accountability.
Specifically, the organisation urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that investigations into the Ekiti and Calabar attacks identify not only the direct perpetrators but also possible sponsors, financiers and organisers.
It called for the preservation of relevant closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings, communications, medical reports and eyewitness accounts, as well as regular public updates on the investigations.
The group also urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to publicly demonstrate the political neutrality of security institutions.
It insisted that security protection should not depend on political affiliation or loyalty to the ruling party.
Furthermore, MOT!ON called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), working with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to establish transparent and non-discriminatory procedures for protecting political meetings, campaign movements and access to lawful venues.
It urged the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations to monitor alleged violations of the rights of opposition candidates, political organisers, protesters and affected communities.
The organisation also called on all political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, to reject the mobilisation, financing or protection of violent groups.
It maintained that anyone implicated in political violence should be investigated and held accountable, irrespective of their political position, wealth or party affiliation.
