2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Faults Proposal to Suspend Campaigns in Northern States Over Insecurity

The call by some senators to suspend political campaigns in parts of Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections has ignited a sharp rebuke from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Premium Times reports that Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, proposed the halt, citing the pervasive insecurity plaguing states like Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano. Ningi argues that continuing political activities under such conditions could undermine the integrity of the elections.

“

Let it be clearly stated: the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise. Any attempt—whether deliberate or disguised—to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement.

However, Atiku Abubakar, through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, vehemently opposes this suggestion. He frames it not just as a campaign issue but as a fundamental threat to democratic rights and voter participation. Abubakar contends that suspending campaigns is a misguided attempt to address insecurity, arguing that it amounts to silencing the populace and is a symptom of government failure rather than a solution. He insists that the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is sacrosanct and cannot be arbitrarily abridged.

“

This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process. You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure.

From our perspective at Premium Times, this debate highlights a critical tension in Nigeria's political landscape. While the concerns about insecurity are undeniably real and deeply felt across the affected regions, the proposed solution raises serious questions about democratic principles. Silencing political discourse, even with the intention of ensuring security, risks creating a precedent that could be exploited to disenfranchise citizens. The government's primary responsibility is to secure its citizens and ensure a conducive environment for democratic participation, not to curtail it. The focus should remain on tackling the root causes of insecurity and ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their location, can exercise their civic duties without fear or hindrance. This is not merely about campaigns; it is about the very essence of representation and inclusion in our democracy.

“

At a time when citizens are already battling hardship and insecurity, the least the government can do is to guarantee their right to be heard, not to restrict it. Any policy that creates the impression of targeted exclusion will only deepen distrust and national division.