Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has urged political parties and their candidates to avoid inflammatory remarks and hate speech capable of triggering unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele, who also chairs the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly, made the call in his Independence Day message on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary.

He urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Senate Leader acknowledged the constitutional right of politicians to campaign and pursue their political ambitions but stressed that such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law.

He specifically cautioned against statements capable of escalating political tensions or provoking ethno-religious violence before, during and after the elections.

“The exercise of political rights at this defining moment should be guided by the rules of the electoral contest and not by the rules of the jungle.

“While every aspiration is legitimate in a democracy, it should be pursued with decorum, patriotism and utmost restraint.”

Bamidele warned that political ambitions should not be pursued at the expense of national peace and stability.

“No ambition is worth setting the nation ablaze. As we mark our 66th anniversary of political freedom and prepare for the 2027 elections, political parties and their candidates must conduct their activities within the ambit of the law.”

According to him, peaceful campaigns would reflect the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers to build a united, democratic and prosperous federation capable of playing a leading role in Africa and globally.

He also urged political parties to ensure that their campaign promises and policy agendas reflect the aspirations of Nigerians while contributing to the preservation of national unity.

“Nigeria is our collective heritage. She is greater than the political ambition of any party or candidate.

“Our activities must be conducted to preserve our collective heritage and not destroy what we have sustainably built,” he added.

Bamidele further called on political parties and their candidates to present their programmes for the country with restraint and a commitment to democratic values as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.