Nigeria’s 2027 Elections Could Worsen Violence – US

The United States has vowed to closely monitor Nigeria’s January 2027 elections, warning that political tensions surrounding the polls could worsen violence in parts of the country.

The warning was given by Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, during a congressional hearing on violence in Nigeria before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa on Thursday, Reuters reported.

“I am realistic about the challenges ahead. For example, Nigeria will hold presidential elections in January, which could spur violence,” Garcia said.

He identified the elections, limited judicial presence in parts of the Middle Belt, overstretched security agencies and inadequate resources as obstacles to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Garcia also said Washington remained concerned about attacks on Christian communities, noting that violence had continued a year after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.

“Unfortunately, the violence has not stopped,” he told lawmakers.

He said the US was engaging Nigerian authorities through a Joint Working Group established after the designation.

The discussions, according to Garcia, cover security deployments, responses to early warnings, accountability for perpetrators and military cooperation.

Although he acknowledged measures taken by the Nigerian government, including the deployment of forest guards and increased arrests and prosecutions, Garcia said these had yet to translate into improved safety for Christian communities in the Middle Belt.

He said the US expected Nigeria to show measurable progress in protecting vulnerable communities and addressing attacks.

The issue of accountability also featured in the hearing, with Congressman Riley Moore urging Washington to maintain the CPC designation and press Nigerian authorities to take action against armed groups.

“What is the (State) Department doing to make sure the Nigerian government brings the fight to the militias where Christians are dying? And before you answer that, we cannot take this CPC designation off this country. They have not done enough,” Moore said.

Moore also called for close observation of the 2027 elections, saying, “We need to be watching these presidential elections like a hawk. And I’m gonna be watching them, and we all need to be watching them.”

In response, Riley Barnes, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, said his department had a team monitoring elections globally and would give particular attention to Nigeria.

“I’m glad you raised that. We’re also tracking them closely. We have a team that, in my bureau, focuses on elections in many spots around the world, especially high-priority ones like this one. So we’re gonna be watching it very closely as well,” Barnes said.

Trump threatened military action against Nigeria last November over the treatment of Christians, following the CPC designation.

The Nigerian government rejected the classification, saying it was based on misinformation and faulty data.

Nigerian officials have maintained that the country is battling terrorism and other forms of insecurity, rather than religious persecution.

They have also said they are open to US assistance in tackling Islamist insurgents, provided Nigeria’s territorial integrity is respected.

The country faces several security threats, including an Islamist insurgency, armed banditry, farmer-herder clashes and kidnappings for ransom, particularly in the northern and central regions.

Nigeria is home to more than 200 ethnic groups and communities practising Christianity, Islam and traditional religions. The January 16, 2027 presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place amid continuing security concerns.