By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has urged political actors to shun violence ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that no Nigerian should lose their life because of the ambition of others. He made the call in a statement on Wednesday to mark Eid-el-Kabir.
Bamidele said the 2027 polls scheduled for January 16 and February 6 must not be marred by bloodshed. He stressed that the pursuit of political office must never come at the cost of human lives, whether old or young.
The Senate Leader cited data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, which recorded 1,639 deaths from electoral violence between 1999 and 2023. He said the trend must end, noting that the cost has been too high for Nigeria as a federation.
“Regardless of our political parties, we must go into the campaign with a resolve that Nigeria is our collective heritage,” Bamidele stated. He urged all actors and institutions to play by the rules and avoid actions that could plunge the country into crisis.
He also called for prayers for children, parents, and teachers still held in captivity by bandits and kidnappers. He singled out 87 victims recently kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, describing their continued detention as a breach of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children.
Bamidele assured that security forces are working to secure the release of the captives and reunite them with their families. He said the National Assembly is committed to strengthening systems that guarantee safety across the country.
The Senate Leader linked the message of Eid-el-Kabir to national responsibility, saying the festival should go beyond ritual. He urged Nigerians to recommit to peaceful coexistence and collective prosperity, especially as electioneering begins.
He noted that the celebration coincides with the 2026 International Children’s Day, making it a moment to reflect on the safety and future of young Nigerians. He condemned the actions of rogue elements seeking to create division and uncertainty.
Bamidele said Prophet Ibrahim’s examples of faith, obedience, and sacrifice remain relevant as political activities intensify. He appealed to all stakeholders to emulate those virtues in public life.
The statement, issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Leader of the Senate, also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to stronger social security and maximum consequences for kidnappers and their allies.
No life should be lost for political ambition’ – Bamidele urges peace ahead of 2027 polls
By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
As Nigerians mark Eid-el-Kabir, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has sent a dual message: end electoral violence and pray for children still in captivity. His appeal came in a statement released Wednesday from Abuja.
Bamidele warned that Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of bloodshed tied to elections. He said the 2027 general elections must be conducted peacefully, without loss of life for political gain.
He backed his warning with grim statistics from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. The report shows 1,639 Nigerians died in electoral violence between 1999 and 2023, with peaks of 800 in 2011 and 800 in 2011.
The Senate Leader said Prophet Ibrahim’s virtues of faith, obedience, and sacrifice should guide leaders and citizens during the electioneering period. He noted that nearly all parties have now chosen their standard bearers.
Bamidele stressed that Nigeria is a shared heritage that must not be sacrificed for ambition. He urged political actors to conduct campaigns within the law and avoid inciting violence before, during, and after the polls.
Alongside the political message, he called for fervent prayers for captives of bandits. He highlighted 87 children and teachers kidnapped recently in Borno and Oyo States, saying their release remains a priority.
He assured Nigerians that security forces are committed to rescuing the victims. At the National Assembly, he said, lawmakers are working to strengthen safety in remote areas and improve social security for young people.
The Senate Leader also pushed for tougher measures against kidnapping, describing it as a crime against humanity. He said perpetrators and their allies must face maximum consequences.
Bamidele observed that Eid-el-Kabir coincides with the 2026 International Children’s Day, making the call for peace and protection even more urgent. He decried attempts by a few to paint a picture of division among leaders.
Concluding, he urged Nigerians to use the season to recommit to national unity and prosperity. The statement was signed by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate, dated May 27, 2026.
