Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has cautioned politicians against promoting violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that no citizen should lose their life in the pursuit of political power.
In a statement released on Wednesday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs to mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Bamidele called on Nigerians to uphold the values of faith, sacrifice and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
He said the festive period should also encourage unity, peaceful coexistence and sober reflection across the country.
The lawmaker warned against a recurrence of the violence that has marred past elections in Nigeria, insisting that political activities must be conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law.
“No Nigerian, whether old or young, deserves to die again because some people are seeking political offices by all means, whether justified or unjustified,” Bamidele said.
He further urged politicians and their supporters to approach the 2027 electoral process with the understanding that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and must be protected from violence.
“Regardless of our political parties, we must go into the campaign, indeed, the 2027 elections, with a definite resolve that Nigeria is our collective heritage; that our activities must be conducted according to the extant laws; and that no life will be lost as a result,” he stated.
Referencing figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, Bamidele said the country witnessed 1,639 deaths connected to electoral violence between 1999 and 2023.
“We must learn from our history still striped with the blood of the victims of electoral violence,” he added.
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The Senate leader also appealed to Nigerians to remember victims of kidnapping and banditry in their prayers, particularly schoolchildren, parents and teachers still in captivity across different parts of the country.
“We must remember all our children and parents that are still held in the captivity of rogue elements in different parts of the federation, especially 87 children and teachers recently kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States,” he said.
Describing child abduction as a breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Bamidele expressed confidence that security agencies were making efforts to rescue those abducted.
“While we pray for them fervently, our security forces are committed to securing their release very soon and bringing them back to the warm embrace of their families,” he said.
He also assured Nigerians that the National Assembly remained committed to strengthening laws and institutions to improve security nationwide.
“At the National Assembly, we are committed to building a system that guarantees the safety and security of lives and property even in the remotest parts,” he said.
Bamidele added that lawmakers were considering tougher punishments for kidnappers and anyone aiding such crimes.
“For us, kidnapping in all its ramifications is a crime against humanity, and it must be treated as such,” Bamidele stated.