From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

SenatePresident, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, cautioned political actors against turning the 2027 elections into a platform for communal, religious or regional divisions, warning that no electoral victory was worth the life of any Nigerian.

Akpabio, in his welcome address as the Senate resumed plenary after its two-month annual recess, said campaigns for the 2027 elections were already underway and urged politicians to focus on presenting their visions to voters rather than setting Nigerians against one another.

“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians. We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another,” he said.

The Senate President urged candidates to make their cases before the electorate, answer difficult questions and allow Nigerians to make their choices freely.

“The contest for Nigeria’s future is already before us. Campaigns for the 2027 general elections have begun. Parties have chosen their candidates. Citizens will weigh rival visions.

“Let the candidates for the various offices speak, and speak with conviction, for the causes they hold dear. Let the contest be vigorous; let it be open; and let every participant remember the country that must live together when the contest is over.”

Akpabio warned against violence, intimidation and misinformation during the electioneering period.

“Let every candidate make a case and answer hard questions. Let every citizen be free to decide. We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake.

“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded.”

Akpabio also charged senators to sustain their legislative and oversight responsibilities throughout the campaign period despite their individual political engagements.

He said the Senate, comprising lawmakers from different political parties, regions and persuasions, must demonstrate that political disagreement could coexist with national responsibility.

“This Senate must show the way. Within these walls sit men and women of different parties, regions and convictions, entrusted with the representation of one Republic. We shall continue to disagree, as a free Parliament must.

“Yet we must hear one another, conduct our affairs with dignity and fulfil our duties throughout the campaign season. The people sent us here to serve until the end of our mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of the campaigns,” he said.

Turning to insecurity, Akpabio urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians still being held by armed groups and protect vulnerable communities.

He said the Senate would examine what more could be done through legislation, appropriation and oversight to address the security challenges.

“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden.

“We shall examine, through legislation, appropriation and oversight, what more must be done to end these infernal assaults upon our people. We cannot summon citizens to courage and then leave them to face danger alone,” he said.

On the economy, Akpabio said lawmakers must remain conscious of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ordinary Nigerians.

“We must examine figures, forecasts and reforms with care. But we must never forget how the economy is felt beyond this Chamber: by the mother counting the cost of a meal, the graduate searching for work and the small business owner striving to keep the doors open,” he said.

He also called for greater preparedness in responding to flooding and other disasters.

“A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” he said.

Akpabio urged senators to return to their legislative duties with renewed commitment to national unity as Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence anniversary on October 1.

“We have returned to this Chamber because Nigeria’s work continues. By God’s grace, we shall keep faith with her, and with the people who sent us here,” he said.