1,639 killed in electoral violence in 24 years — Bamidele

Nigeria has been burdened by 1,639 deaths resulting from electoral violence between 1999 and 2023, a figure described as a "national burden" by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. He issued a stern warning to political actors, urging them to abandon any form of violence and stressing that electoral ambitions must never lead to the loss of Nigerian lives.

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We must learn from our history still striped with the blood of the victims of electoral violence.

Bamidele, representing Ekiti, made this appeal in his Eid-el-Kabir message, emphasizing that no citizen should pay the ultimate price for political competition. Citing data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, he detailed the grim statistics: 80 deaths in 1999, 100 in 2003, 300 in 2007, a staggering 800 in 2011, followed by 100 in 2015, 150 in 2019, and 109 in 2023. "The cost of electoral violence is too much for us as a federation to bear," Bamidele stated, demanding an immediate end to the bloodshed.

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As shown in the report of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, Nigeria has lost no fewer than 1,639 lives to electoral violence between 1999 and 2023.

Beyond electoral violence, the Senate leader also drew attention to the country's deteriorating security situation. He called for prayers for victims of kidnapping and banditry, specifically mentioning the recent abduction of 87 children and teachers in Borno and Oyo states. This message comes amid renewed political activity leading up to the 2027 general elections.

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The cost of electoral violence is too much for us as a federation to bear. It must come to an end now.

Bamidele cautioned against repeating the tragic experiences of past elections, which were marred by violence and fatalities. He implored political parties, candidates, and supporters to approach the campaign period with a resolve to uphold peace, legality, and restraint. "Nigeria is our collective heritage; our activities must be conducted according to the extant laws; and no life will be lost as a result," he declared, urging Nigerians to view the nation as a shared asset that must be protected above partisan interests.

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No Nigerian, whether old or young, deserved to die again because some people are seeking political offices by all means during the general elections.