Senator Na’Allah warns of possible violence in 2027 elections

Former Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah, has said that the 2027 general election might be one of the most dangerous in Nigeria's history.

He pointed to rising political tension, attacks on supporters, and heated statements from opposition leaders.

Na’Allah shared his concerns during an interview on Arise News on Thursday. He worried about comments suggesting that political disagreements would be settled on the streets instead of in courts.

He highlighted remarks from former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, who reportedly said the opposition would not go to court over the results of the 2027 election. Instead, they would 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,'" he said.

Na’Allah mentioned that this kind of talk, along with reports of attacks on political supporters and vehicles during early campaigning, raised concerns about the elections.

He said, "One of the things I expect will happen is that the various opposition groups, in their determination to take power from the ruling party, will go to any length to campaign and get votes. And, of course, they may go to certain lengths to say they are going to defend their votes too.

"But from the aura of statements I have seen, it's discomforting enough to say that, at least, I have been around from 1999 to date. We have never seen this kind of situation."

Na’Allah referred to reports of vehicle attacks in Kebbi State and assaults on people in Sokoto. He warned that these incidents were serious, especially since they happened early in the political season.

"And you have just said Dino said some vehicles were broken into and attacked in Kebbi, and then, of course, in Sokoto, there was this idea that some people equally were attacked.

"This is at the early stage of the campaign. And if this can happen, then what happens on the day of the election? And that’s why I’m saying it’s going to be a bit dangerous," he added.

He also said that everyone involved in politics, especially the ruling party and the Federal Government, has a duty to stop violence and ensure fair elections.

According to him, the government must protect Nigerians and show this 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, which has the primary responsibility constitutionally for which it has sworn to protect the people of this country.

"And therefore, by its conduct, it must lead by example. And by its conduct, it must be seen to protect everybody in this country," he said.

The former lawmaker also stressed the need for all political parties to be treated fairly. He said that a credible election must let every candidate and party campaign freely across the country.

When asked if he thought the All Progressives Congress was allowing opposition parties to campaign freely, Na’Allah said he had not heard of any directive from the ruling party stopping such activities.

He described the reports of attacks in Kebbi and Sokoto as isolated incidents involving some APC members. He urged security personnel in those areas to prevent future incidents.

"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.

He mentioned a campaign event in Ekiti State, where he said there were no complaints of vehicle attacks. He added that those responsible for security in areas with reported incidents should act to prevent them from happening again.

Na’Allah served as Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate during the eighth National Assembly. He represented Kebbi South in the Senate and was also a member of the House of Representatives before that.