The Association of Former Presidential Candidates of Nigeria (AFPCN) has raised the alarm over rising electoral violence and insecurity, warning that the incidents recorded during recent party primaries and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections could foreshadow a more dangerous 2027 general election.
The group made the warning on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during a press conference in Abuja, where it disclosed that 34 Nigerians were killed in election-related incidents.
AFPCN also cited the deaths of Kunle Owoeye and his father, who reportedly died from shock following the incident. The association observed a minute of silence in their honour and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the killings, identify those responsible and ensure they face justice.
Invoking Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the former presidential candidates described themselves as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process, saying they could not remain silent while the country’s electoral system was allegedly being undermined.
The group accused INEC of failing to sufficiently promote internal democracy, particularly in relation to the conduct of political party primaries and the subsequent publication of final lists of candidates.
It also called on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on INEC, to conduct a comprehensive audit of the commission’s expenditure from 2023 to date and strengthen oversight of future appropriations to the electoral body.
AFPCN further questioned INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, citing concerns reportedly raised by the commission’s chairman during a visit to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission over inadequate funding for election logistics.
The association consequently urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that INEC receives sufficient funding to organise credible elections, while appealing to the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and INEC to maintain political neutrality as the 2027 elections approach.
Despite its criticism of the electoral process, the group commended the Tinubu administration over what it described as improvements in revenue generation and economic diversification.
According to AFPCN, government earnings from non-crude-oil sources exceeded ₦20 trillion as of August 2025, representing a 411 per cent increase compared with the previous administration, while foreign reserves reportedly stood at $42 billion as of September 2025.
The group, however, warned that economic gains would have limited meaning if Nigeria fails to protect democratic institutions, guarantee credible elections and preserve national cohesion.
AFPCN also called on traditional rulers, political leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
“No single person, group or political party interest or ambition is worth the peace and unity of our Country,” the association said.
The former presidential candidates vowed to continue speaking on matters of national importance while advocating good governance, peace-building and credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
