The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the increasing use of violent rhetoric in the 2027 general election campaigns. On resuming from a two-month recess, the Senate noted that the election is a contest for Nigeria's future and urged candidates to avoid setting the country on fire with divisive language. Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned politicians against deploying ethnic, religious, and regional divisions in their quest for victory.
Akpabio emphasized that no electoral prize is worth the life of a Nigerian, stressing that no victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded. He encouraged candidates to make their case and answer hard questions without resorting to divisive tactics. The Senate President also noted that citizens would weigh rival visions as the campaigns for the 2027 general elections had begun.
The Senate's call for a peaceful election campaign comes as Nigeria prepares to mark 66 years of independence. Akpabio welcomed senators back to the Red Chamber, remarking that the campaigns would be vigorous and open. He urged participants to remember that the country must live together after the contest is over.
Akpabio's remarks were triggered by concerns over the increasing use of divisive language in the election campaigns. His comments were also influenced by his own political history, which was referenced by a colleague during a tribute to the late former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris. Senator Jibrin Echocho referred to Akpabio as a former PDP member, prompting the Senate President to clarify his current political affiliation.
Akpabio denied being committed to the PDP, a party that offered him the governorship seat for eight years and other political opportunities. He served as a commissioner in Akwa Ibom State before becoming governor on the PDP platform in 2007. Akpabio later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
The incident occurred as senators mourned Idris, who died in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2026, aged 77. Akpabio's rise to national prominence was largely built under the PDP, where he served as senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West from 2015. He resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2022 to pursue his political ambitions and returned to the Senate in 2023.
Akpabio subsequently emerged as President of the 10th Senate. The Senate's call for a peaceful election campaign is a timely reminder of the importance of promoting national unity and stability. The 2027 general election is expected to be a crucial contest that will shape the country's future.
Key points
- The Nigerian Senate has urged candidates in the 2027 general election to avoid using violent rhetoric and ethnic divisions in their campaigns.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that no electoral prize is worth the life of a Nigerian.
- Akpabio denied being committed to the PDP, a party where he built his early political career.
