The leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has issued a fierce condemnation of the rising wave of political violence and killings sweeping the country, warning political actors to cease instigating unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a powerful statement released on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the Senate Leader declared that the ambition of any politician is not worth the blood of any citizen.
Senator Bamidele expressed deep concern over the pre-election tension building across the federation, cautioning politicians against destabilizing the nation for personal gain. He stressed that the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle must not be used as an excuse to terrorize citizens, stating that no Nigerian, whether old or young, deserves to die because some people are seeking political offices by all means, whether justified or unjustified. Urging both political actors and ordinary citizens to approach the upcoming elections with maturity, democratic sportsmanship, and strict respect for the rule of law, the Senate Leader reminded the nation of the grim human cost of past political crises.
To underscore the gravity of the situation, Bamidele pointed to historical data reflecting Nigeria’s bloody struggle with democratic transitions. He noted that according to reports from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, Nigeria has lost no fewer than 1,639 lives to electoral violence between 1999 and 2023. He warned that the nation must learn from a history still stained with the blood of victims, adding that Nigeria remains a collective heritage that must be protected at all costs. He reiterated that political activities must be conducted strictly within the boundaries of the Constitution, maintaining a stance of zero tolerance for the loss of lives.
Beyond electoral matters, the Senate Leader used the Eid-el-Kabir platform to draw urgent national attention to the plight of citizens currently held in the dens of kidnappers and bandits. He made an impassioned plea for the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees, particularly vulnerable groups, asking the nation to remember all the children, parents, and teachers still held in the captivity of rogue elements in different parts of the federation, especially the 87 children and teachers recently kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States.
Bamidele strongly condemned the continued detention of minors, describing it as a flagrant violation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. He assured the public that the nation's security forces are working tirelessly to secure their safe rescue and reunite them with their families.
While calling on the Muslim faithful and all Nigerians to emulate the virtues of faith, obedience, and total submission to the divine will as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, the lawmaker reaffirmed the legislative arm's dedication to national healing. He promised that the National Assembly remains committed to building a system that guarantees the safety and security of lives and property even in the remotest parts, while also strengthening the social security system to meet the needs and aspirations of a teeming young population.
