No Nigerian should die because politicians seek power, says Bamidele

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has declared that no Nigerian deserves to lose his or her life because some politicians are desperate to secure elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele made the remark on Wednesday in a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs to mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Senate Leader warned political actors against inciting violence before, during and after the elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6, 2027, stressing that the country could no longer afford the devastating human cost of electoral violence.

He also called for prayers for children, parents and teachers still being held captive by bandits and kidnappers across the country, particularly the 87 victims recently abducted in Borno and Oyo states.

Urging Nigerians to reflect on the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim — faith, obedience and sacrifice — Bamidele said Eid-el-Kabir should go beyond annual rituals and serve as a period for national reflection, peaceful coexistence and collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

According to him, the nation is entering a sensitive political season that demands caution, responsibility and respect for democratic values.

“As we move into the campaign season and the 2027 general elections, we must all resolve that Nigeria remains our collective heritage and that our political activities must be conducted in line with the law,” he said.

“No Nigerian, whether old or young, deserves to die because some people are seeking political offices by all means, whether justified or unjustified. Violence before, during and after elections must be avoided at all costs.”

Citing data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), Bamidele noted that no fewer than 1,639 lives were lost to electoral violence between 1999 and 2023.

He recalled that about 80 people died during the 1999 elections, 100 in 2003, 300 in 2007, 800 in 2011, 100 in 2015, 150 in 2019 and 109 in 2023.

“The cost of electoral violence is too much for Nigeria to bear. It must come to an end,” he stressed.

Bamidele urged politicians, political parties and institutions to play by the rules and refrain from actions capable of plunging the country into chaos.

The Senate Leader also decried the activities of criminal elements creating fear and insecurity in parts of the country, saying their actions contradicted the ideals of sacrifice, peace and obedience exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

“We must remember all our children, parents and teachers still held in captivity by rogue elements across the federation, especially the 87 children and teachers recently kidnapped in Borno and Oyo states,” he said.

“Holding children in captivity is a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. While we continue to pray fervently for them, our security agencies are working tirelessly to secure their release and reunite them with their families.”

Bamidele assured Nigerians that the National Assembly remained committed to strengthening laws and policies aimed at guaranteeing the safety of lives and property across the country.

He added that lawmakers were also focused on improving the nation’s social security framework and ensuring severe punishment for kidnappers and their collaborators.

“For us, kidnapping in all its ramifications is a crime against humanity, and it must be treated as such,” he said.