Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has called on politicians and their supporters to shun violence as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin, warning that the pursuit of political power should never lead to the loss of lives.
In an Eid-el-Kabir message issued on Wednesday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice and obedience associated with the celebration and to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
The lawmaker expressed concern over Nigeria’s history of election-related violence, stressing the need for stakeholders to ensure that future political contests are conducted peacefully and within the confines 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 appealed to political parties and their supporters to place national interest above partisan considerations, noting that elections should not become a source of bloodshed.
“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.
Bamidele pointed to figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, which indicate that 1,639 people lost their lives in incidents linked 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.
The Senate leader also urged citizens to remember victims of kidnapping and insecurity across the country, particularly schoolchildren, teachers and parents who remain in captivity.
“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.
While condemning the abduction of children, he described the act as a violation of international child rights conventions and expressed confidence that security agencies would secure the release of those affected.
“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.
Bamidele further assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to support measures aimed at improving security and protecting lives and property 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.
He added that lawmakers were considering stronger legal sanctions against kidnappers and those who aid their activities.
“For us, kidnapping in all its ramifications is a crime against humanity, and it must be treated as such,” Bamidele stated.