The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned Nigerians against resorting to violence or taking up arms under the guise of protecting their votes during the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo issued the warning on Tuesday in a statement posted on his X account, amid growing political activities and preparations ahead of the forthcoming elections.
He accused some politicians of encouraging vulnerable Nigerians and political thugs to engage in electoral violence while allegedly sending their own children abroad for safety.
According to the minister, ordinary citizens should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence by politicians who may not be present when the consequences arise.
“After safely ferrying their children abroad, some unscrupulous politicians are encouraging hapless citizens and thugs to take up weapons to kill one another under the pretext of ‘protecting their votes’,” he said.
Keyamo recalled a statement made by former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections, which he said he supported and continued to stand by.
He maintained that individuals who resort to self-help, carry dangerous weapons and attack others while claiming to protect their votes could face lawful action from security agencies.
The minister said security operatives were legally empowered to neutralise individuals who posed threats through violent attacks in the course of their duties.
He further warned Nigerians against allowing political interests to push them into dangerous confrontations that could result in injuries, deaths or criminal prosecution.
Keyamo’s comments come as political parties and aspirants intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.
The minister’s warning also comes amid growing concerns among political stakeholders and civil society organisations over the possibility of election-related violence, intimidation and attacks on political supporters.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has emphasised the importance of peaceful political participation and cooperation among stakeholders in ensuring credible elections.
Nigerians have continued to face calls from political leaders and civic organisations to protect the electoral process through lawful and peaceful means rather than violence.
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