Thepresidential aspirant of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general election, Yakubu Kingsley, has warned that no Nigerian blood should be shed over politics, insisting that no political ambition was worth a Nigerian life. He appealed to fellow presidential aspirants and political leaders across party lines to place the country above personal ambition.
“I respectfully call upon President Bola Tinubu and every other presidential aspirant and political stakeholder, regardless of political party, to conduct themselves in ways that strengthen our democracy, preserve national unity and promote peaceful coexistence before, during and after the elections.
“History will not merely remember who won elections; it will remember those who helped preserve the unity, peace and democratic stability of our nation,” he said.
He expressed concern over the myriad of challenges facing <a href="https://absafricatv.com/strict-us-europe-visas-push-nigerians-to-kenya-rwanda-for-summer/” title=”Strict US, Europe visas push Nigerians to Kenya, Rwanda for summer”>Nigerians as the election draws nearer, saying the situation called for sound leadership, responsible governance and divine intervention.
Kingsley, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, rising inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, communal conflicts, declining purchasing power and growing uncertainty about the future.
“Families struggle daily to put food on their tables and businesses battle for survival, while many young people are searching for hope,” he said.
He noted that as the country approaches the 2027 general election, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged, with alignments taking shape and campaigns gathering momentum. However, he said democracy’s accommodation of healthy competition must not overshadow a more fundamental question.
“The greatest question before us today is not whether President Bola Tinubu secures another term in office, or whether any other presidential candidate emerges victorious. The most important question is: will Nigeria remain united, peaceful, stable and stronger after the 2027 general election? This question should occupy the minds of every patriotic Nigerian,” he stated.
Kingsley, who is currently challenging the outcome of the party’s May 25 presidential primary which produced former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke as PRP’s candidate, described Nigeria as a deeply religious nation that has historically turned to God in moments of uncertainty.
“This is another defining moment. This is not the time for hatred, political bitterness or ethnic and religious division. This is the time for sincere repentance, fervent prayers, fasting, reconciliation and national healing,” he said.
He called on Nigerians of all political, ethnic, religious and social backgrounds to unite in prayer for the country’s peace and preservation, appealing specifically to religious and community leaders, including Sheikhs, Imams, pastors, bishops, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, as well as senior citizens, to dedicate the period to intercession for the nation.
“Let us ask God to grant our nation peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible elections that will truly reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged all presidential aspirants to restrain their supporters, campaign organisations and spokespersons from inflammatory, abusive or provocative statements capable of inciting hatred or deepening divisions.
According to him, elections are a constitutional and democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders, not a do-or-die affair, urging all contestants to express disagreements with civility, mutual respect and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Every aspirant bears a moral responsibility to ensure that the conduct of his or her followers promotes peace, tolerance and national cohesion before, during and after the elections,” he said.
He said Nigeria’s democracy must remain a peaceful contest of ideas, competence, integrity and vision rather than a battlefield, and urged INEC, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional and religious institutions, the media and other stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities with neutrality and professionalism.
“Every Nigerian deserves confidence that the electoral process will be peaceful, transparent and credible. The international community is watching. Future generations are watching. More importantly, God is watching,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, issue-based campaigning and respect for the outcome of a credible electoral process and called for lowering of the political temperature and rejection of hate speech, incitement, misinformation and violence.
He concluded with a prayer for Nigeria’s healing, unity and a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in 2027.
