All Progressives Congress chieftain Joe Igbokwe has condemned the idea of using violence against school children as a political tool ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as both immoral and ineffective.
Igbokwe made the remarks while reacting to speculation on social media that some political actors might resort to insecurity to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, often referred to by the initials PBAT, before the next election cycle. In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, the APC stalwart said such tactics would fail politically and damage Nigeria’s image.
“Kidnapping school children to stop PBAT from winning 2027 elections is a poor strategy. It will not work. Nigerians are wiser now,” Igbokwe wrote. “You cannot gain power by spilling the blood of innocent children. That era is gone.”
The comment comes amid heightened political tension as parties begin early positioning for 2027. Nigeria has struggled with school abductions in recent years, especially in the North West and North Central regions, where bandits have targeted students for ransom. While the motives have largely been financial, security analysts warn that criminality and politics can overlap during election seasons.
Igbokwe argued that violence as a political weapon backfires. He noted that past incidents of mass abductions drew national outrage and international condemnation, ultimately hurting the ruling party in power at the time rather than strengthening opposition groups.
“No serious Nigerian will vote for anyone linked to the kidnapping of children. It destroys your case before the people,” he said. “If you have a superior argument against PBAT, take it to the ballot. Take it to the courts. Take it to the media. But leave our children out of it.”
The APC chieftain also called on security agencies to be proactive, urging the police and Department of State Services to monitor political rhetoric that could incite violence. He appealed to political leaders across party lines to publicly denounce attacks on schools and commit to issue-based campaigns.
Reactions to Igbokwe’s post were mixed. Supporters praised him for speaking against violence, while critics accused the ruling party of failing to end the existing wave of kidnappings under its watch. Others questioned whether any credible group was actually plotting such acts, or if the statement was aimed at shaping public perception ahead of 2027….See More
