Insecurity Surge Politically Driven Ahead of 2027 — Akpabio Alleges

By Chisom Adaeze

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has stirred fresh debate over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, alleging that the recent surge in violence across the country is politically driven and tied to the buildup toward the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering a goodwill message at the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters, where he suggested that certain political actors are deliberately sponsoring insecurity to weaken the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and frustrate his re-election prospects.

“You’re seeing insecurity today, and it’s even increasing because the election is coming,” Akpabio said, adding that such incidents may subside once the elections are concluded.

Claims of Political Sabotage

The Senate President argued that the pattern of violence suggests a coordinated effort to distract the government and create instability. According to him, the timing of attacks and unrest raises questions about underlying political motivations.

He also pointed to what he described as growing political alignment around President Tinubu, noting that more state governors have gravitated toward the ruling bloc since 2023. This, he implied, may be contributing to tensions within opposition ranks ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Akpabio questioned the preparedness of opposition parties, citing internal divisions and lack of cohesive political structures as key challenges in mounting a formidable challenge in 2027.

Security Concerns Deepen

His comments come at a time of heightened insecurity across Nigeria, with a series of violent incidents reported in recent days.

In the North-East, operations by the Nigerian Air Force have come under scrutiny following reports that a recent airstrike resulted in civilian casualties alongside suspected insurgents, drawing criticism from rights groups.

In a separate incident, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was killed during an ആക്രമation on a military formation in Borno State on April 9, 2026. Another attack reportedly claimed the lives of a colonel and several soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.

Government Response

Amid growing concerns, President Tinubu on Monday convened a closed-door meeting with top security officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting included the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence agencies, signaling renewed efforts to reassess and strengthen national security strategies.

Electoral Concerns and INEC Controversy

Akpabio also addressed controversy surrounding a social media account allegedly linked to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing claims that it reflects bias in the electoral process.

He argued that the remarks attributed to the account were taken out of context and do not undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system. INEC has since denied any connection between its chairman and the account in question.

International Attention

Nigeria’s security challenges are increasingly drawing global scrutiny. The U.S. Department of State recently authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja, citing safety concerns linked to the deteriorating security environment.

A Nation on Edge

Akpabio’s comments have added a political dimension to the ongoing security discourse, raising questions about whether the surge in violence is purely operational or partly strategic.

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the intersection of politics and security is likely to remain a dominant issue—one that could shape not only electoral outcomes but also public confidence in governance and national stability.