Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has cautioned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele, who also chairs the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly, urged political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026 and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The Ekiti lawmaker made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of political actors to participate in the political process, Bamidele said such rights must be exercised within the limits of the law.
He warned that political freedom should not be used as a justification for hate speech, inflammatory statements or actions capable of triggering political unrest and ethno-religious violence before, during or after the elections.
“The exercise of political rights at this defining moment should be guided by the rules of the electoral contest and not by the rules of the jungle. While every aspiration is legitimate in a democracy, it should be pursued with decorum, patriotism and utmost restraint,” he said.
Bamidele stressed that no political ambition should come at the expense of Nigeria’s peace and stability.
“No ambition is worth setting the nation ablaze. As we mark our 66th anniversary of political freedom and prepare for the 2027 elections, political parties and their candidates must conduct their activities within the ambit of the law,” he said.
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The Senate Leader described Nigeria as a collective heritage that should be protected by political actors regardless of their party affiliations or electoral ambitions.
“Nigeria is our collective heritage. She is greater than the political ambition of any party or candidate. Our activities must be conducted to preserve our collective heritage and not destroy what we have sustainably built,” he said.
He further urged political parties and candidates to ensure that their campaign promises and policy agendas reflected the aspirations of Nigerians and the ideals of the country’s founding fathers.
“As political parties and their candidates campaign across the states of the federation and unveil their agenda for the future of our fatherland, such an agenda must align with the wishes and aspirations of our founding fathers,” Bamidele said.
His warning comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political activities expected to increase as the election season approaches.
Concerns have also been raised over reported cases of intimidation and the activities of political thugs in some parts of the country, amid calls for a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Bamidele therefore urged political actors to place national unity and democratic stability above personal and partisan interests.
He said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence should serve as a reminder to political leaders of their responsibility to safeguard the country’s unity and democratic institutions while seeking electoral mandates.