Na’Allah warns political rhetoric could trigger election violence

Former Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah, has warned that inflammatory political statements and reported attacks on supporters could push Nigeria towards a violent 2027 general election.

Na’Allah said the growing tension surrounding early campaign activities was worrying, particularly comments by opposition figures suggesting that disputes over election results would be settled on the streets rather than through the courts.

Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, the former Kebbi South senator cited remarks attributed to former Kogi West lawmaker, Dino Melaye, who reportedly said the opposition would defend its votes on the streets instead of going to court.

“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.

He argued that such statements, alongside reports of attacks on political supporters and vehicles in Kebbi and Sokoto states, raised concerns about the conduct of the election.

The former lawmaker said the incidents were particularly troubling because they had occurred before the peak of campaign activities.

“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 said.

Na’Allah noted that opposition parties seeking to unseat the ruling party could intensify their campaigns and efforts to protect their votes, but warned that political competition must remain within the law.

He said the situation was unlike anything he had witnessed since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

“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,” he said.

The former senator, however, said preventing violence and ensuring credible elections should not be left to one political party.

He placed particular responsibility on the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress, arguing that the government had a constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.

“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 added that the government must demonstrate its commitment to protecting citizens through its actions and ensure that opposition parties could campaign freely across the country.

Asked whether the APC was preventing opposition parties from campaigning, he said he was unaware of any such directive by the ruling party.

He described the reported attacks in Kebbi and Sokoto as isolated incidents allegedly involving some APC members.

“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 urged security agencies and those responsible for maintaining order in affected areas to prevent further attacks, stressing the need for a level playing field ahead of the polls.

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