Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has cautioned citizens against engaging in violent activities while attempting to prevent electoral malpractice during the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo issued the warning on Tuesday through a post on his X account, where he expressed concerns about statements allegedly made by opposition figures concerning the need for Nigerians to defend their electoral choices.
The minister specifically mentioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who are associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), respectively.
He alleged that certain opposition politicians were pushing ordinary citizens and street gangs towards dangerous encounters by urging them to resist attempts to manipulate election results through force.
According to Keyamo, the politicians making such appeals have already secured comfortable living arrangements for their families outside Nigeria, leaving less privileged supporters exposed to the dangers of political clashes.
He argued that those promoting confrontations during elections would not personally experience the consequences of the violence they allegedly encourage, as their children would remain protected in foreign countries.
In his reaction, the aviation minister described the situation as an unfair arrangement in which economically disadvantaged Nigerians could lose their lives while influential political figures and their relatives remain beyond the reach of such dangers.
He wrote: “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’. That’s fine.”
Keyamo also referred to comments made by former President Muhammadu Buhari before the 2019 general elections, noting that he had endorsed the position at the time and had not changed his stance.
He maintained that individuals who take the law into their own hands by carrying firearms or other dangerous objects and attacking people during electoral disputes should expect a response from security agencies.
The minister argued that security personnel have the legal authority to use necessary force against individuals who threaten public safety through armed violence.
Reaffirming his position, Keyamo stated: “Let me reiterate what late President Buhari said pre-2019 election (which I supported and I still support): when you resort to self-help and you take up dangerous weapons in the guise of ‘protecting your votes’ and you attack anybody, it is lawful and legitimate for law enforcement agents to ‘neutralise’ you or simply ‘put you down’ in the course of their duty.”
He further accused opposition politicians of exposing their supporters to unnecessary risks while ensuring that their immediate families remain in secure environments outside the country.
According to him, young Nigerians who heed such political appeals could end up facing serious consequences, while those responsible for making the statements would be watching events unfold from abroad.
He added: “And the children of the politicians will be watching your foolishness from their safe haven somewhere in the world.”
The minister’s comments come amid growing political discussions about electoral accountability and the responsibility of voters to ensure that their choices are reflected in the final results of the forthcoming polls.
Opposition figures have continued urging citizens to remain vigilant during the electoral process and resist any attempt to undermine their votes.
However, Keyamo’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the distinction between peaceful electoral vigilance and the use of violence during political contests.
