Terrorism, Banditry Aimed At Disrupting 2027 Polls – Sen Karimi

The senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, has alleged that the rising wave of terrorism and banditry across the country is a calculated attempt to frustrate the 2027 general elections.

Karimi made the claim in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the persistent insecurity is linked to political interests determined to make the country ungovernable ahead of the polls scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The electoral umpire last week released the timetable for the 2027 full-cycle elections, fixing the presidential and National Assembly polls for February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will be held on March 6, 2027.

According to the lawmaker, there is a clear connection between the upcoming elections and the continued security challenges in parts of the country.

“The correlation is all too glaring. Certain interests and tendencies are resolved to continue to make the country ungovernable with the ultimate aim of disrupting the forthcoming general elections,” he said.

Karimi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Services, commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as significant achievements across key sectors of the economy, noting that recent economic indicators showed signs of recovery.

He stated that despite the improvements, some elements were uncomfortable with the nation’s gradual socio-economic resurgence.

The senator also cited the administration’s efforts at strengthening international security partnerships, including intelligence cooperation involving the United States Armed Forces and ongoing military collaborations with neighbouring countries.

He further referenced the president’s recent state visit to Turkey, where defence cooperation featured prominently in engagements with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Karimi expressed optimism that the ongoing reorganisation of the nation’s security architecture and adjustments in military operations would soon yield positive results.

He noted that the Minister of Defence had hinted at the possible deployment of retired military personnel to secure ungoverned spaces, adding that the initiative would complement the deployment of forest guards in some parts of the country.

The lawmaker also referenced federal government approval for the recruitment of 50,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen internal security.

He assured that the National Assembly of Nigeria would continue to support the executive in delivering good governance and ensuring credible elections in 2027.

Karimi expressed confidence that ongoing security reforms would guarantee a peaceful and transparent electoral process that Nigerians would be proud of.