A former Nigerian security chief has urged the nation’s electoral body to enforce stricter regulations on political parties initiating campaigns nearly two years ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the risk of exacerbating the country’s security crises. Mike Ejiofor, an ex-director of the Department of State Services (DSS), singled out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) for prematurely mobilizing support and endorsing candidates, a move he argued distracts from governance and undermines national stability.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Ejiofor emphasized that over 80% of Nigeria’s security challenges—including violence in the northwest and separatist tensions in the southeast—are politically motivated. He warned that the current surge in political alliances, rallies, and public endorsements by parties risks diverting security agencies’ focus from urgent threats. “These alignments, realignments, and coalitions pose direct threats to national security,” he said. “Politicians are at it again, creating instability at a time when the government should prioritize addressing economic hardship and protecting citizens.”
Ejiofor criticized the APC for prematurely endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s potential reelection bid, while noting that the ADC has already named three presidential aspirants. He also highlighted the ongoing internal strife within the Labour Party, a key opposition group. Such early maneuvers, he argued, violate Nigeria’s electoral guidelines, which typically restrict formal campaigning to a few months before elections.
While acknowledging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recently warning parties against early campaigns, Ejiofor stressed that mere advisories are insufficient. “INEC must take decisive action to halt these activities before they trigger more security crises,” he said, adding that the commission’s response had come too late. He called on the Tinubu administration to resist being drawn into the 2027 political fray and instead prioritize tackling inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
Nigeria’s political landscape has long been marked by aggressive, extended election cycles, with aspirants often rallying support years in advance. Critics argue this trend deepens polarization and fuels violence, particularly in regions where political rivalries intersect with ethnic or religious tensions. Ejiofor’s remarks reflect wider concerns about the strain early politicking places on security forces already grappling with armed groups, kidnappings, and communal clashes.
His intervention comes amid debates over INEC’s capacity to enforce electoral laws impartially, especially against powerful parties. Analysts note that curbing premature campaigns could help mitigate election-related violence, which has marred previous polls. However, with Nigeria’s next general elections still distant, the focus remains on whether authorities will heed calls to prioritize governance over political maneuvering.
