Political Parties Engage IDPs Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political parties in Nigeria, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, and Social Democratic Party, are actively courting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in preparation for the 2027 elections. They have expressed concerns over the disenfranchisement of IDPs due to ongoing insecurity, which has forced many from their homes.

As of March 2026, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported over 3.7 million internally displaced Nigerians, primarily due to armed conflicts involving Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes. The ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the party plans to mobilize IDPs for votes and campaign in IDP camps, alleging that the All Progressives Congress may attempt to rig elections at these locations.

The situation is exacerbated by widespread food insecurity, with over 27 million Nigerians facing crisis levels of food insecurity and millions requiring humanitarian aid.