Akpabio Warns 2027 Politicians, No Election Is Worth a Nigerian Life

(Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Photo by Punch News)

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has warned politicians and candidates in the 2027 general elections to steer clear of violence, intimidation and divisive campaigns.

He gave the warning on Tuesday as the Senate resumed plenary.

He asked political actors to run their campaigns with restraint and let Nigerians freely pick their leaders.

Akpabio said candidates should present their policies and visions with energy but must not turn communities against one another or take advantage of religious, regional and other divides.

He said Nigerians must reject violence and intimidation and refuse the lies that spread fast and leave distrust behind.

According to him, no election prize is worth the life of a Nigerian, and no victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation hurt.

He noted that campaigns for the 2027 elections have already started, with parties picking their candidates and citizens getting ready to weigh the different visions on offer.

He urged candidates to hold strong debates while remembering that the country will still be one after the elections.

He said people seeking office do not have to agree on everything to walk together as Nigerians, and that they can compete without setting community against community, faith against faith or one region against another.

The Senate President also charged lawmakers to lead by example by keeping order and doing their legislative duties despite the political activity ahead of the elections.

He said the Senate must show the way, since men and women of different parties, regions and beliefs sit within its walls to represent one republic.

Akpabio said lawmakers will keep disagreeing on issues but must handle their affairs with dignity and stay focused on their mandate.

He said the people sent them to serve until the end of their term, that there is work ahead, and that they will stay at their posts despite the campaigns.

He urged politicians to approach the election season with restraint and responsibility.

He called on them to campaign with honour, debate with conviction and serve with humility, adding that the lawmakers returned to the chamber because the work of Nigeria continues.

He ended by saying that by the grace of God they will keep faith with the country and with the people who sent them.