The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has highlighted the importance of a peaceful electoral process and institutional stability in sustaining investor confidence and safeguarding Nigeria’s business environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CPPE Chief Executive Officer Muda Yusuf said in a policy brief issued on Sunday that political stability and respect for the rule of law were key considerations for investment decisions and economic growth.

He said growing incidents of politically induced violence, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric raised concerns about their potential implications for economic stability and investor confidence.

“Political violence could create investment uncertainty, discourage new investments, delay expansion plans and increase the risk premiums demanded by investors,” he said.

He added that political clashes, insecurity and violent protests could disrupt commercial activities, supply chains, logistics and market access.

Mr Yusuf also identified capital flight, foreign exchange volatility and increased operating costs as possible economic consequences of prolonged political instability.

He said businesses might incur additional expenditure on security, insurance, transportation and contingency arrangements, while persistent violence could affect Nigeria’s attractiveness to domestic and foreign investors.

On the role of state institutions, Mr Yusuf emphasised the importance of institutional neutrality, independence and operational effectiveness in promoting electoral credibility and a stable investment climate.

He identified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the judiciary, regulatory and law enforcement institutions, and the civil service as critical institutions whose professionalism and independence were important to the electoral process.

Mr Yusuf said INEC’s operations should be guided by transparency and professionalism, while security agencies should provide impartial protection for political actors, electoral officials, citizens and economic assets.

He also stressed the importance of an independent judiciary and accessible mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.

To support a peaceful electoral environment, the CPPE chief outlined five priority areas: promoting zero tolerance for political violence, protecting institutional independence, encouraging responsible political communication, safeguarding economic activities and maintaining policy and administrative stability.

He also called for security arrangements to protect commercial centres, industrial facilities, transport corridors, markets and critical infrastructure throughout the electoral period.

“We emphasise the importance of sustained commitment by political actors and state institutions to national economic stability as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The National Peace Committee (NPC), alongside civil society groups, election-monitoring bodies and government institutions, has also expressed concern over rising political violence, intimidation and attacks on political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee reported that 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory recorded 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord during 10 weeks of monitoring.

Its report, covering August 19 to October 27, identified political violence and thuggery, as well as misinformation and disinformation, as the leading violations, accounting for 33 and 29 incidents, respectively.

It identified Kaduna, Edo and Enugu as election flashpoints, citing recurring political violence, armed disruptions and other security concerns.

The committee called for investigations into reported violations and urged security agencies to provide equal protection for lawful campaign activities.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday condemned attacks accompanying political activities across the country and warned politicians and their supporters against violence.

In a statement, Mr Tinubu called on political actors to shun violence and directed security agencies to tackle political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities.

INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

(NAN)