The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has cautioned political actors against electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that no Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of political power.
Bamidele made the remarks amid growing national conversations around election security, political conduct, and electoral reforms as preparations gradually begin for the next general elections.
According to the Senate leader, political ambition should never come at the expense of human lives, urging politicians, party supporters, and youths to embrace peaceful participation in the democratic process.
“No one deserves to die because of elections,” Bamidele said, while calling on stakeholders to reject violence, intimidation, and other actions capable of undermining democracy.
The warning comes as political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify across the country. Security agencies and electoral stakeholders have also repeatedly raised concerns about electoral offences, vote-buying, and politically motivated violence.
Recent reports indicate that lawmakers are considering tougher penalties for electoral offences, including vote-buying and result manipulation, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system before 2027.
Bamidele has also previously defended ongoing electoral reforms, insisting that amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws were designed to improve transparency and reflect the collective input of stakeholders.
Meanwhile, security officials have continued to urge citizens, especially youths, not to allow themselves to be used for ballot snatching, intimidation, or violence during elections.
Nigeria has witnessed incidents of electoral violence in past election cycles, with civil society groups and observers consistently calling for peaceful campaigns and credible elections.
Political analysts say early warnings from government officials and security agencies may help reduce tensions ahead of the 2027 polls if accompanied by strict enforcement of electoral laws and accountability for offenders
