Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has cautioned politicians and their supporters against resorting to violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that no political ambition is worth the loss of human lives.
Bamidele gave the warning in a statement released on Wednesday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs as part of messages marking the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice, obedience, and tolerance associated with the season, while calling for unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.
The Senate leader warned against a repeat of the bloodshed and unrest that have trailed previous election periods in Nigeria.
According to him, political actors must ensure that campaigns and electoral activities are conducted peacefully and within the framework of the law.
“No Nigerian, whether young or old, should lose his or her life because certain individuals are desperate to secure political offices by all means,” he stated.
Bamidele further emphasised that the 2027 elections should be approached with the understanding that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“We must enter the electioneering process with the resolve that Nigeria remains our collective heritage and that our actions must align with the provisions of the law without resulting in violence or bloodshed,” he added.
The lawmaker referenced data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, revealing that Nigeria recorded 1,639 deaths connected to electoral violence between 1999 and 2023.
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He noted that the country must draw lessons from its history of politically motivated violence and work towards preventing future tragedies.
Bamidele also appealed to Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country, particularly children, parents, and teachers still in captivity following recent abductions in parts of the federation.
He specifically mentioned the kidnapping of 87 children and teachers in Borno State and Oyo State, describing such acts as violations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
While assuring Nigerians that security agencies were making efforts to secure the release of those abducted, he called for continued prayers and national support for the victims and their families.
The Senate leader also reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening laws and institutions aimed at improving security nationwide.
According to him, lawmakers are determined to ensure tougher penalties for kidnappers and their accomplices, insisting that kidnapping should be treated as a serious crime against humanity.