2027: Akpabio warns candidates against violence, intimidation

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, cautioned politicians and candidates vying for the 2027 general elections against engaging in violent and aggressive campaigning practices. Delivering this warning during the Senate's resumption of plenary sessions, Akpabio urged political actors to conduct their campaigns with restraint and allow Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.

He emphasized that candidates should focus on presenting their policies and visions to the public without causing divisions among communities based on religious, regional, or other factors. Akpabio stated, "We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake. No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life.

No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded." He noted that the 2027 election campaigns had already begun, with political parties selecting their candidates and citizens preparing to evaluate competing policies. Akpabio urged candidates to engage in constructive debate while recognizing that unity among Nigerians remains crucial, even if they have differing opinions.

"Those who seek office need not see eye to eye to walk hand in hand as Nigerians. We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our republic against another," he said. The Senate President also called upon lawmakers to set an example by maintaining decorum and fulfilling their legislative duties despite the ongoing political activities ahead of the elections.