2023 state election violence was highest in the North West at 19.88%, while North East recorded just 5.7%, making it safer than several southern regions

The North West recorded the highest incidence of violence during Nigeria’s 2023 state-level elections, accounting for 19.88 per cent of reported incidents, according to official data analysed by electoral authorities.

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In contrast, the North East, despite its history of insurgency, recorded only 5.70 per cent of incidents, making it one of the safest regions for voters.

Authorities noted that reported violence in the North West was nearly three times higher than in the North East.

Other regions also reported varying levels of election-related incidents: South South recorded 11.56 per cent, South East 8.83 per cent, North Central 7.20 per cent, and South West 5.60 per cent.

The data suggests that traditional security concerns in the North East did not translate to heightened electoral violence, while the North West remains a hotspot for politically motivated unrest.

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Analysts highlight that regional disparities in election security underscore the need for tailored strategies to protect voters and maintain electoral integrity across Nigeria.