2027 Elections Could Be Among Nigeria’s Most Dangerous, Na’Allah Warns

Former Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah, has warned that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections could be among the most dangerous in the country’s history, citing rising political tension, reported attacks on supporters and inflammatory statements by political figures.

Na’Allah raised the concern during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, where he expressed unease over comments suggesting that electoral disputes would be resolved through street action rather than legal channels.

He specifically referred to remarks attributed to former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye, who reportedly said opposition parties would not approach the courts over the outcome of the 2027 elections but would instead defend their votes on the streets.

“I have read some statements that are equally not comforting. I have read some people saying, including Dino, who said, ‘We will not go to court. I have never heard this before in my life. We will not go to court. We will settle it on the street,’” Na’Allah said.

The former lawmaker said such statements, alongside reports of attacks on political supporters and vehicles during early campaign activities, raised concerns about the possibility of violence during the elections.

He noted that political groups seeking to challenge the ruling party would likely intensify their campaigns and efforts to secure votes, but warned that the language surrounding the process was troubling.

Na’Allah also cited reports of attacks on vehicles in Kebbi State and alleged assaults on individuals in Sokoto, describing the incidents as concerning given the early stage of political activities.

He questioned what could happen on election day if such incidents continued during the campaign period.

The former senator, however, stressed that preventing political violence and ensuring credible elections were responsibilities shared by all political actors.

He placed particular responsibility on the ruling party and the Federal Government, arguing that the government had a constitutional duty to protect citizens and demonstrate political neutrality through its actions.

“The responsibility is on everyone to provide a situation where there will be free, fair and credible elections. But the responsibility is particularly on the ruling party and the government of the day,” he said.

Na’Allah further called for a level playing field, insisting that all political parties and candidates must be able to campaign freely across the country without intimidation or obstruction.

Asked whether he believed the All Progressives Congress (APC) was preventing opposition parties from campaigning, he said he was unaware of any directive from the ruling party restricting such activities.

He described the reported incidents in Kebbi and Sokoto as isolated cases allegedly involving some APC members, while urging security authorities in the affected areas to prevent further occurrences.

“I don’t understand where APC has said that should not be done. These conducts are isolated conducts of some APC members, allegedly,” he said.

Na’Allah also referred to a campaign activity in Ekiti State, where he said there had been no complaints of attacks on vehicles.

He maintained that security agencies and those responsible for maintaining public order must take appropriate steps to prevent political violence as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

Na’Allah served as Deputy Senate Majority Leader during the Eighth National Assembly and represented Kebbi South in the Senate. He previously served in the House of Representatives.