Bamidele urges parties to conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of 2027 elections

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has urged political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026 and the 1999 Constitution, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele, who is also Chairman of the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly, made the call in an Independence Day message issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He warned political actors against incendiary comments, hate speech and inflammatory statements capable of provoking political unrest or ethno-religious violence before, during and after the elections.

The Senate Leader acknowledged the constitutional right of political parties, candidates and other actors to participate in the political process, but stressed that such rights must be exercised within the limits of the law.

According to him, political aspirations should be pursued with decorum, patriotism and restraint rather than through actions capable of destabilizing the country.

“While every aspiration is legitimate in a democracy, it should be pursued with decorum, patriotism and utmost restraint,” Bamidele said.

He added: “No ambition is worth setting the nation ablaze. As we mark our 66th anniversary of political freedom and prepare for the 2027 elections, political parties and their candidates must conduct their activities within the ambit of the law.”

Bamidele said peaceful and orderly political campaigns were consistent with the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who, he said, sought to build a united, democratic and prosperous federation capable of providing leadership for the Black race and the African continent.

He urged political parties and candidates to ensure that their campaign activities and policy agendas reflected the aspirations of Nigerians and contributed to preserving national unity.

“Nigeria is our collective heritage. She is greater than the political ambition of any party or candidate,” he said.

The Senate Leader further cautioned political actors against sacrificing the country’s long-term stability and democratic development for short-term political interests.

“As political parties and their candidates campaign across the states of the federation and unveil their agenda for the future of our fatherland, such agenda must align with the wishes and aspirations of our founding fathers,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the 2027 electoral process is conducted peacefully, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and national cohesion.