RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
Political parties across Nigeria are intensifying mobilisation, consultations and grassroots campaigns as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to follow on February 6.
Across several states, political parties are moving at different speeds, with some already establishing campaign structures while others remain engaged in consultations over the composition of their campaign councils.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, is relying heavily on its existing party structures and control of government in several states, while opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are expanding their grassroots organisations in preparation for the polls.
In Sokoto State, the APC has maintained structures across the 23 local government areas and 244 wards, with Governor Ahmed Aliyu emerging as the party’s governorship candidate through a consensus arrangement.
The ADC has also intensified activities in the state, with its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, embarking on consultations and mobilisation.
Security, education, healthcare, agriculture, employment and infrastructure are emerging as major campaign issues in the state.
In Kebbi State, the ADC has established a large campaign organisation around its governorship candidate, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, while the APC is relying on its existing political structures and the administration of Governor Nasir Idris.
Agriculture, education, security, healthcare and governance have emerged among the major issues shaping political debate in Kebbi.
Political activities are also increasing in Yobe State, where consultations and defections are taking place alongside a legal dispute over the APC governorship primary.
In Jigawa State, parties remain at different stages of preparation. The APC is continuing consultations over the composition of its campaign council while maintaining grassroots mobilisation across the state’s 27 local government areas.
The PDP has constituted a campaign council, while the ADC has also commenced mobilisation ahead of the election.
In Edo State, the APC has inaugurated its presidential campaign structure and commenced political activities, while opposition parties are continuing preparations for their own campaigns.
Political consultations are also underway in Bauchi, Benue, Zamfara and Nasarawa states, where several parties are still finalising campaign organisations and strategies.
The intensification of political activities comes amid growing concern over the conduct of parties, candidates and their supporters.
The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and convened by Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has warned political actors against inflammatory statements, misinformation, intimidation and violence.
The committee said its Election Security Information Hub recorded 60 election-related incidents between August 19 and September 19, despite commitments made under the National Peace Accord.
Of the incidents recorded, misinformation and disinformation accounted for 24 cases, representing 40 per cent of the total.
Attacks and disruptions affecting political activities and assets accounted for 13 incidents, while political intimidation and threats accounted for 10.
Six incidents involving political violence and thuggery were recorded, alongside four involving inflammatory statements. Other cases involved restrictions on freedom of expression, intra-party disputes and alleged voter inducement.
The committee warned that such incidents could undermine peaceful political participation and public confidence in the electoral process.
It called on political parties and candidates to ensure that their supporters refrain from violence, intimidation and inflammatory communication.
The committee also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its monitoring of political campaigns and called on security agencies to conduct impartial investigations into alleged electoral offences and political violence.
The warning comes after presidential candidates and political parties signed the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 electoral cycle in August, committing themselves to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
With the January elections approaching, attention is increasingly shifting from internal party preparations to nationwide mobilisation as candidates seek support across states, local government areas, wards and polling units.
INEC has maintained January 16, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
