The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused opposition politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, of encouraging Nigerians to risk their lives in the name of protecting their votes during the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo made the allegation in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, November 3, warning citizens against resorting to violence or taking up weapons under the guise of defending electoral mandates.
The minister alleged that some opposition politicians were encouraging vulnerable Nigerians and political thugs to engage in potentially deadly confrontations while their own children remained safe abroad.
“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 your votes’,” Keyamo stated.
He argued that ordinary Nigerians could end up paying the ultimate price for political conflicts while the families of those allegedly inciting violence remained far from danger.
The minister also referred to a warning issued by former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections, saying he continued to support the position that security agencies could use lawful force against individuals who resorted to violence.
Keyamo maintained that citizens who take up dangerous weapons, attack others and attempt to enforce their own version of electoral justice should not expect immunity from law enforcement.
He warned Nigerians against interpreting calls to protect their votes as permission to engage in violent confrontations, stressing the need to allow security agencies to perform their duties within the law.
The minister’s comments come amid political activities and growing discussions about electoral accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition figures have repeatedly emphasised the importance of safeguarding votes and ensuring that election results reflect the wishes of the electorate. Keyamo’s intervention, however, highlights the tension surrounding how such calls should be interpreted and carried out.
The allegations against Atiku, Obi and other opposition politicians were made by Keyamo. His statement did not, in itself, establish that the named politicians had directed Nigerians to take up weapons or attack others.
As political campaigns and preparations intensify, the debate over electoral protection is likely to remain prominent, with calls for citizens to defend their votes balanced against warnings against violence and unlawful self-help.
