Former Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah, has warned that the 2027 general election could be one of the most dangerous in Nigeria’s history.
He cited rising political tension, attacks on supporters and inflammatory statements by opposition figures.
Na’Allah gave the warning during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, where he expressed concern over statements suggesting that political disputes would be settled on the streets rather than through the courts.
He specifically cited comments by former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, who reportedly said the opposition would not go to court over the outcome of the 2027 election but would instead defend its votes on the streets.
“I have read some statements that are equally not comforting. I have read some people saying, including Dino, who said, ‘We will not go to court. I have never heard this before in my life. We will not go to court. We will settle it on the street,’” he said.
The former senator said such rhetoric, coming alongside reports of attacks on political supporters and vehicles during early campaign activities, raised concerns about what could happen when the elections eventually hold.
He said, “One of the things I expect will happen is that the various opposition groups, in their determination to take power from the ruling party, will go to any length to campaign and get votes. And, of course, they may go to certain lengths to say they are going to defend their votes too.
“But from the aura of statements I have seen, it’s discomforting enough to say that, at least, I have been around from 1999 to date. We have never seen this kind of situation.”
Na’Allah referenced reports of attacks on vehicles in Kebbi State and alleged attacks on some people in Sokoto, warning that the incidents were troubling because they had occurred at an early stage of political activities.
“And you have just said Dino said some vehicles were broken into and attacked in Kebbi, and then, of course, in Sokoto, there was this idea that some people equally were attacked.
“This is at the early stage of the campaign. And if this can happen, then what happens on the day of the election? And that’s why I’m saying it’s going to be a bit dangerous,” he added.
He, however, said responsibility for preventing violence and ensuring credible elections rested on all political actors, particularly the ruling party and the Federal Government.
According to him, the government has a constitutional responsibility to protect Nigerians and must demonstrate that commitment through its conduct.
“The responsibility is on everyone to provide a situation where there will be free, fair and credible elections. But the responsibility is particularly on the ruling party and the government of the day, which has the primary responsibility constitutionally for which it has sworn to protect the people of this country.
“And therefore, by its conduct, it must lead by example. And by its conduct, it must be seen to protect everybody in this country,” he said.
The former lawmaker also stressed the need for a level playing field for all political parties, arguing that a credible election must allow every candidate and party to campaign freely across the country.
When asked whether he believed the All Progressives Congress was allowing opposition parties to campaign freely, Na’Allah said he was not aware of any directive by the ruling party preventing such activities.
He described reports of attacks in Kebbi and Sokoto as isolated incidents allegedly involving some APC members, while urging those responsible for security in the affected areas to prevent further occurrences.
“I don’t understand where APC has said that should not be done. These conducts are isolated conducts of some APC members, allegedly,” he said.
He cited a campaign activity in Ekiti State, where he said there had been no complaints of attacks on vehicles, adding that those responsible for security in areas where incidents were reported should act to prevent a recurrence.
Na’Allah served as Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate during the eighth National Assembly and represented Kebbi South in the upper chamber.
He was also a member of the House of Representatives before becoming a senator.