2027: Bamidele warns politicians against hate speech - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has warned political parties and their candidates against inflammatory comments and hate speech capable of triggering unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele, who is also Chairman of the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly, urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Senate Leader made the call in his Independence Day message on Thursday, marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary of independence.

He said while political actors had the constitutional right to campaign and pursue their ambitions, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law.

Bamidele cautioned against statements capable of aggravating political tensions or provoking ethno-religious violence before, during and after the elections.

He said, “The exercise of political rights at this defining moment should be guided by the rules of the electoral contest and not by the rules of the jungle.

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

The lawmaker warned that political ambition should not come at the expense of national peace and stability.

He said, “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.”

According to him, peaceful campaigns would be consistent with the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers to build a united, democratic and prosperous federation capable of playing a leading role in Africa and globally.

Bamidele also urged political parties to ensure that their campaign promises and policy agendas reflected the aspirations of Nigerians and contributed to preserving the country’s unity.

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

“Our activities must be conducted to preserve our collective heritage and not destroy what we have sustainably built,” he added.

He further urged political parties and their candidates to unveil their programmes for the country with restraint and a commitment to democratic values as campaigns gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.