2027: Keyamo warns against violence in protecting votes

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has cautioned Nigerians against taking up arms to safeguard their votes during the 2027 general elections. The warning follows the intensifying political activities ahead of the elections, scheduled for January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and February 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly.

Keyamo cited former President Muhammadu Buhari's 2019 warning against electoral violence, where Buhari cautioned against ballot-box snatching and electoral violence. According to Keyamo, some politicians are inciting citizens to resort to violence while sending their children abroad to safety. He emphasized that such actions are lawful and that security agencies have the right to neutralize violators.

Keyamo's remarks echo Buhari's 2019 stance, where he instructed security agencies to deal harshly with anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process. INEC has also urged political parties and stakeholders to respect the electoral framework and promote peaceful elections.