ABUJA—In a significant debate yesterday, Senators attributed the escalating incidents of banditry and Boko Haram activity to the impending 2027 elections. During discussions on an urgent motion regarding the alarming rise of these threats, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau of the PDP, representing Taraba North, was supported by Senators Sunday Karimi from the APC in Kogi West and Danjuma Goje from the APC in Gombe Central. They urged the federal government to examine the correlation between these security issues and the upcoming elections, recalling a similar pattern prior to the 2015 elections.
Senator Karimi expressed concerns over historical parallels, noting that violence was anticipated before the 2015 elections, with individuals preparing for chaos should they lose. He highlighted a recent surge in kidnappings within his district, with reports of up to thirty individuals taken in just two weeks. He reiterated the need for a thorough investigation into the resurgence of Boko Haram, suggesting potential collusion between insurgents and discontented elements within the military.
“Mr. President, we must uncover the motives behind these incidents,” he stated. “We cannot permit political ambitions to destabilise our nation.”
Senator Goje echoed these sentiments, pointing out that violence is erupting nationwide. He stressed the necessity for serious inquiries into whether these events are politically motivated as the elections approach.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, lamented the daily loss of life, emphasising the need for enhanced security measures to prevent further tragedies. The Senate has called for increased surveillance along borders and urged local governments to take decisive action against insecurity.
