The House of Representatives has set up an investigative committee to examine growing cases of political violence, attacks on rallies and disruption of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, and 16 other lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary.
Moving the motion, Agbedi expressed concern over increasing reports of violence, intimidation, assaults and destruction of property during political gatherings, warning that the trend could threaten the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.
He said the incidents, if not addressed promptly, could undermine public confidence in the democratic process and discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities.
The lawmaker cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and association, including membership of political parties.
He also referenced the constitutional responsibility of government to protect the security and welfare of citizens, arguing that Nigerians should be able to participate in political activities without fear of attacks or intimidation.
Agbedi urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, reject violence and work with security agencies to maintain peace.
To establish the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks, he called on the House to exercise its investigative powers under Section 88(1) of the Constitution and examine the conduct of relevant public authorities responsible for enforcing the law.
He highlighted several incidents across the country, including the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on September 12, 2026, where two people were reportedly injured and another allegedly killed.
He also recalled an attack on supporters of the All Progressives Congress travelling to a rally in Katsina State on October 28, which reportedly resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects.
Other incidents cited included an attack on an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on November 4, where several people were reportedly injured, and violence during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7.
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According to Agbedi, the Asaba incident reportedly left one person dead and five others injured.
He warned that continued attacks on political gatherings could lead to further loss of lives, weaken democratic participation and erode confidence in the electoral process.
However, he cautioned against prematurely blaming individuals or political parties, stressing that the allegations must be subjected to impartial and evidence-based investigations.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of politically motivated violence across the country.
The committee was given three weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the House.
Its membership comprises the House Leader, the Minority Leader, chairmen and deputy chairmen of the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, alongside two additional members drawn from the committees.
The investigation comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify consultations and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
With political activities expected to gather momentum in the coming months, the House said addressing threats to political gatherings and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to assembly and association were necessary to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.