Prioritize National Security Over 2027 Election Preparations, Urges Stakeholders
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, a pressing question emerges: should the government focus on securing the country first or merely conduct elections amidst ongoing violence? The political frenzy has overshadowed governance, leaving ordinary citizens to grapple with daily insecurities that threaten communal life and local economies.
Recent Tragedies Highlight Security Failures
On March 24, 2026, a military response team of 10 soldiers and one policeman was ambushed in Giro Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State. Lured by a false distress call from Lakurawa terrorists, the team fell victim to a deadly attack, resulting in multiple casualties, including civilians. Governor Nasir Idris addressed the media, promising support and replacements for destroyed vehicles, yet the incident received minimal media attention compared to political conventions.
Similarly, on the same day, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, killing a commercial driver and a woman. In Niger State, terrorists bombed a bridge on Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area, aiming to disrupt troop movements. These attacks, often underreported due to remote locations, underscore a growing insurgency that risks cutting off communities from government protection.
Political Priorities Versus Security Realities
While political parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) focused on conventions and reconciliations, the killing of soldiers and civilians was met with a conspiracy of silence. Governor Idris described the ambush as accepted in good faith, but critics argue such tragedies should not be normalized. The lack of outrage in Abuja raises concerns about whether political scheming for 2027 elections is taking precedence over safeguarding lives.
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South warned that the people that will vote are dying, urging the government to prioritize security. However, he was told to direct security matters to intelligence agencies rather than the media. Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan emphasized that elections and security are two sides of the same coin of national stability, noting that the 2027 polls pose a security trigger due to social media volatility and AI-driven disinformation.
Escalating Terrorism and Global Rankings
According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, Nigeria ranks as the fourth most terrorized country globally, behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This marks a decline from 8th in 2024 and 6th in 2025, with terrorists establishing enclaves in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. For elections to be viable, these areas must be reintegrated, with displaced persons resettled and roads cleared of threats like mines and IEDs.
President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on insecurity in November 2025, but it has failed to curb violence. The emergency lacked restrictions on arms movement and did not hold political leaders accountable. Additionally, the Livestock Ministry, created to address herder-farmer conflicts, remains underfunded, with only N20 billion released from a N11.8 billion budget in 2025, leaving states like Taraba, Plateau, and Benue vulnerable.
Call to Action for the Tinubu Administration
Stakeholders are calling on President Tinubu to develop the political will to combat terrorism with the same vigor as election strategies. The administration must decide whether securing Nigeria supersedes 2027 political ambitions. As terrorists grow bolder and communities surrender to parallel regimes, urgent action is needed to ensure citizens are alive to participate in democratic processes.
In summary, the path to 2027 elections must begin with robust security measures. Without a safe environment, electoral integrity and national stability remain at risk, demanding immediate focus from all levels of government.
