YEGO raises alarm over pre-election violence, cites 109 peace accord breaches

YEGO raises alarm over pre-election violence, cites 109 peace accord breaches

The Youth Electoral Guards Observers (YEGO) has raised concerns over increasing pre-election violence, warning that unchecked attacks could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

YEGO Chairman, National Stakeholders Steering Committee, Mr Blessing Oyefeso, expressed the concern at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

He cited National Peace Committee data documenting 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The breaches occurred within a 10-week monitoring period and included 33 incidents of political violence and thuggery.

Oyefeso also cited the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), which recorded more than 30 attacks targeting campaigns, candidates and political gatherings.

The incidents, recorded since the start of presidential and National Assembly campaigns, reportedly resulted in more than 10 deaths and several injuries.

He specifically recalled a violent incident during a political procession in Asaba on Nov. 7, which reportedly claimed one life.

Five other persons were injured in the incident, further highlighting the risks confronting political participants ahead of the elections.

“These are not merely statistics. Behind every reported incident are human lives, families, communities, and citizens whose democratic rights and freedom to participate in the political process are being threatened,” he said.

Oyefeso warned against normalising political violence or waiting until election day before taking preventive action.

He said failure to address the warning signs could endanger citizens and erode public confidence in the 2027 elections.

To promote peaceful participation, Oyefeso announced that YEGO had opened its online application portal for young Nigerians and civic actors.

He urged interested volunteers to enlist as election observers before the application deadline.

He also announced plans for a regional dialogue on preventing electoral violence and promoting credible elections in Lagos in December.

The dialogue, with the theme, ‘From Impunity to Justice: Closing the Gap Between Arrest, Prosecution and Conviction,’ will bring together security agencies and judicial authorities.

Traditional rulers, civil society organisations and youth leaders are also expected to participate.

Oyefeso called on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups and traditional institutions to collaborate against electoral violence.

Read Also: Flamingos Success: SWAN chairman urges politicians to invest in…

YEGO Vice Chairman, Mr Usman Shagari, urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the electoral process while calling on INEC to ensure transparency.

He specifically stressed the need for credible voter register data and accurate election results.

Shagari said the organisation wanted to avoid voter apathy and encourage citizens to participate regardless of their political affiliations.

“We hope that the INEC will do the right thing. We hope that all stakeholders will also do the right thing,” he said.

He also urged political parties and candidates to support peaceful, free and fair elections.

The conference also featured the presentation of appointment letters to YEGO’s newly appointed Deputy National Director and other officials.

The appointments, according to the organisation, are aimed at strengthening its nationwide coordination.

In his acceptance remarks, the new Deputy National Director, Mr Yerima Abdulazeez, pledged to uphold non-partisanship, data integrity and volunteer protection.

He also promised to engage electoral stakeholders to promote peaceful participation and urged Nigerian youths to reject political thuggery.

“The future of this country will not be decided only in Abuja boardrooms or party headquarters.

“It will be decided at the polling units, in our communities, and by whether we choose courage over fear, vigilance over apathy, and peace over violence,” Abdulazeez said.

Also speaking, YEGO Deputy Director, Mr Ogenetega Ogbor, described his appointment as a call to service.

He pledged commitment to strengthening electoral integrity, peaceful democratic participation and a safer electoral environment.