By Taiwo Scholarstica
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has expressed concern over the rising toll of electoral violence in Nigeria, revealing that 1,639 people lost their lives between 1999 and 2023 due to politically related clashes and unrest.
Bamidele described the figure as a painful national tragedy that must never be repeated, warning politicians and their supporters against engaging in acts that could threaten the country’s peace and democratic process.
The senator representing Ekiti Central made the appeal in his Eid-el-Kabir message, released on Wednesday.
According to him, political ambition should never be placed above the lives and safety of Nigerians.
He stressed that elections are meant to strengthen democracy and not become avenues for bloodshed and destruction. Bamidele urged political actors to embrace tolerance, dialogue and peaceful conduct before, during and after elections.
Citing statistics from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, the Senate Leader noted that the country must reflect on its violent electoral history and take urgent steps to prevent future occurrences.
He also called on citizens, political parties and security agencies to work together in promoting peaceful elections and protecting democratic values across the country.