Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned Nigerians against taking up arms under the guise of protecting their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo issued the warning in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, November 3, accusing some politicians of encouraging citizens and suspected political thugs to engage in violence while keeping their own children safe abroad.
The minister argued that anyone who carries dangerous weapons and attacks others under the pretext of protecting votes could lawfully be stopped by security operatives acting in the course of their duties.
He wrote: “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 ‘neutralize’ you or simply ‘put you down’ in the course of their duty.”
Keyamo also criticised politicians whom he accused of encouraging ordinary Nigerians to engage in potentially deadly confrontations while their families remain outside the country.
He further recalled a warning issued by former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections, saying he supported the position at the time and continued to stand by it.
In February 2019, Buhari warned that security agencies would deal firmly with individuals who attempted to snatch ballot boxes or disrupt the electoral process. The comments generated controversy, with opposition figures and some lawyers questioning the implications of the warning.
Keyamo’s latest remarks come amid growing political debate over electoral security and calls by opposition figures for Nigerians to defend their votes during the forthcoming elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
As political activities intensify, the debate over vote protection continues to raise questions about how citizens can safeguard electoral integrity without resorting to violence.
Peaceful observation, proper documentation of electoral irregularities and reporting suspected offences to the relevant authorities remain important parts of protecting the credibility of elections.
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