Keyamo Warns Nigerians Against Taking Up Arms to Protect Votes in 2027 Elections

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned Nigerians against taking up arms under the guise of protecting their votes during the 2027 general elections.

Keyamo issued the warning in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the elections.

The minister accused some politicians of encouraging citizens and suspected thugs to engage in electoral violence while sending their own children abroad to remain safe.

“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 their votes’,” he wrote.

Keyamo also referenced a warning made by former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections, saying he supported the former President’s position then and continued to stand by it.

He recalled Buhari’s warning that security agencies had been instructed to deal with anyone attempting to snatch ballot boxes or disrupt the electoral process. Keyamo argued that individuals who resort to violence under the pretext of protecting their votes could be lawfully neutralised by security operatives in the course of their duties.

The minister’s comments come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the 2027 general elections. The commission’s published timetable, as cited in the supplied report, schedules the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Buhari’s similar remarks ahead of the 2019 elections generated controversy, with opposition figures and some lawyers criticising the language as a threat to citizens. The Presidency at the time defended the statement as a warning against ballot-box snatching and actions capable of undermining the electoral process.

Keyamo reiterated his support for Buhari’s position, warning Nigerians against using dangerous weapons or attacking others in the name of protecting their votes. He urged citizens to avoid violence as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.