President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has warned politicians against deploying ethnic, religious and regional divisions in their quest for victory in the 2027 elections, declaring that no electoral prize is worth the life of a Nigerian.
Akpabio gave the warning on Tuesday as the Senate resumed plenary after its two-month annual recess, with campaigns for the 2027 general elections already underway.
He urged political parties and candidates to make their cases to Nigerians based on their visions and policies rather than turn the electoral contest into a battle that pits communities, religions or regions against one another.
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians. We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another,” Akpabio said.
He also urged candidates to subject themselves to scrutiny by answering difficult questions from voters and allowing citizens to freely make their choices.
According to him, the 2027 contest should be vigorous and open, but must not destroy the unity required to keep the country together after the elections.
“Let every candidate make a case and answer hard questions. Let every citizen be free to decide. We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake,” he said.
Akpabio added, “No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded.”
The Senate President also charged lawmakers to remain focused on their legislative and oversight responsibilities throughout the election season, despite the political interests of individual senators.
He noted that the Senate comprised members from different political parties, regions and ideological backgrounds, but said their differences should not prevent them from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
“This Senate must show the way. Within these walls sit men and women of different parties, regions and convictions, entrusted with the representation of one Republic,” he said.
Akpabio said senators must continue to work until the end of their mandates, regardless of campaign activities.
“The people sent us here to serve until the end of our mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of the campaigns,” he said.
The Senate President further called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by armed groups and protect communities affected by insecurity.
His appeal came against the backdrop of recent abductions, including attacks around Marisa and Dekera Mosque, as well as the effects of flooding in parts of the country.
“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” he said.
He said the Senate would examine, through legislation, appropriation and oversight, what additional measures could be taken to address insecurity.
Akpabio also urged senators to remain conscious of the pressure faced by Nigerians from the rising cost of living, saying economic policies must ultimately be measured by their effect on households and businesses.
He said the Senate must examine economic figures and reforms carefully while remaining mindful of ordinary Nigerians struggling with food costs, unemployment and the survival of small businesses.
On flooding, the Senate President called for stronger preparedness and response mechanisms, stressing that disasters affecting farmers and households also have wider economic consequences.
“A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” he said.
Akpabio urged senators to return to legislative duties with renewed commitment to national unity as Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence anniversary on October 1.