April 14, 2026 l By William Emma
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has sparked widespread debate after claiming that the country’s worsening insecurity is politically motivated and could subside shortly after the next general elections.
Speaking at a public event in Abuja, Akpabio argued that the recent surge in violence—including terrorist attacks, killings, and unrest—is being deliberately sponsored by political actors ahead of the 2027 elections. He suggested that the violence is aimed at distracting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and undermining governance.
“You are seeing insecurity today; it’s even increasing because the election is coming,” Akpabio said, adding that within “the first two weeks” after the elections, Nigerians would no longer hear of bomb blasts or major attacks.
The remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with escalating violence across several regions. Recent incidents include deadly attacks in the northeast linked to insurgent groups, as well as mass killings and displacement in parts of the Middle Belt and Kwara State.
Akpabio’s comments have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the government view the statement as an acknowledgment that insecurity may be influenced by political manipulation, while critics argue it raises serious concerns about governance and accountability. Many have questioned whether such claims imply that authorities are aware of those behind the violence but have not taken sufficient action.
Security analysts warn that Nigeria’s challenges go beyond political cycles, pointing to long-standing issues such as insurgency, banditry, weak intelligence coordination, and socio-economic instability. Groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have continued to carry out attacks, demonstrating evolving tactics and resilience.
The controversy also comes amid growing public frustration over safety, as communities across the country continue to face kidnappings, bombings, and armed assaults. Critics argue that attributing insecurity primarily to political actors may overlook deeper structural and security failures that have persisted for years.
Despite the backlash, government officials maintain that efforts are ongoing to improve security nationwide, including military operations and intelligence reforms.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, Akpabio’s remarks have intensified national debate—raising critical questions about the roots of insecurity, the role of politics, and whether the country’s security challenges can truly be resolved within a short timeframe.