Former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi on Tuesday urged the federal government to suspend all electioneering activities and redirect resources toward confronting the country’s escalating insecurity. Speaking during a “State of the Nation” briefing, Amaemo described the deteriorating security climate as a national emergency that must take precedence over any political campaigning.
Amaechi said the current wave of killings, kidnappings and communal unrest has eroded public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens. “There can be no meaningful elections if citizens do not feel safe in their own communities,” he warned, emphasizing that continued political rallies amid violence would only deepen frustration and distrust.
The former minister called on security agencies, the Ministry of Interior and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize the safeguarding of lives and property. He argued that without a stable security environment, electoral processes risk being compromised, potentially affecting the legitimacy of any forthcoming election.
Security concerns have dominated Nigeria’s public discourse in recent months. Since the start of 2024, the country has recorded a sharp rise in armed robberies, bandit attacks in the northwest, and kidnapping for ransom across several states. Analysts attribute the surge to a combination of economic distress, proliferating small‑arms, and insufficient coordination among security forces. The timing of the call is notable, as political parties have intensified their outreach ahead of the 2025 general elections, scheduled for February.
In response, the Office of the President has not yet issued a formal statement on Amaechi’s appeal. However, a senior aide to the National Security Adviser confirmed that the government is monitoring “the security situation closely” and that any decision to limit campaign activities would be considered in consultation with INEC and relevant ministries.
Political observers note that the request aligns with previous calls from civil society groups urging a “security‑first” approach before the electoral calendar proceeds. Should the government opt to pause campaign events, it would mark a rare instance of electoral activity being halted for security reasons in Nigeria’s recent democratic history.
Amaechi concluded his remarks by reiterating that restoring safety and order must be the immediate focus, asserting that a credible election can only be achieved once citizens feel protected in their neighborhoods. The next steps are likely to involve consultations among security agencies, electoral officials and political parties to determine the feasibility of a temporary suspension of campaign activities.
