The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned Nigerians against taking up arms in the name of protecting their votes during the 2027 general elections, saying security operatives could lawfully neutralise anyone who uses dangerous weapons to attack others.
Keyamo issued the warning on Tuesday in a post on X, where he accused some politicians of encouraging vulnerable citizens and suspected political thugs to engage in electoral violence while allegedly securing the safety of their own children abroad.
The minister described the situation as an unequal sacrifice in which ordinary Nigerians could lose their lives defending political interests while the families of those promoting violence stay out of harm’s way.
“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 revisited a controversial warning issued by former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections. He said he supported Buhari’s position at the time and still stood by it.
He maintained that anyone who resorts to self-help, carries dangerous weapons and attacks others under the pretext of protecting votes could be lawfully stopped by law enforcement agents in the course of their duties.
“And the children of the politicians will be watching your foolishness from their safe haven somewhere in the world,” he added.
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His remarks revive a debate over the limits of citizens’ actions during elections, particularly the distinction between safeguarding electoral integrity and engaging in violence.
Voters have a legitimate interest in ensuring that their votes are properly counted and that election results reflect the choices expressed at polling units. However, this does not confer authority on individuals or political groups to carry weapons, assault opponents or take over the responsibilities of security agencies.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is responsible for conducting elections under Nigeria’s electoral framework, while accredited party agents and election observers have recognised roles in monitoring proceedings and documenting irregularities.
Under the Electoral Act 2022, electoral offences attract legal consequences. Violence, intimidation and disruption of electoral activities can undermine the voting process and expose innocent citizens to serious danger.
Keyamo’s warning also places renewed attention on the responsibility of political leaders to discourage violence among their supporters as preparations gather pace for the 2027 elections.
He concluded his post by telling those contemplating armed confrontation that they had been warned and could proceed to make their choices.
“Having been forewarned, you can then go ahead and exercise your options. CHIKENA!!” he wrote.
The minister’s position is that protecting votes must not become a justification for carrying weapons or attacking other Nigerians.
The challenge for political parties and security agencies will be to ensure that citizens can defend electoral transparency through lawful means without turning polling activities into violent confrontations.
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