Election Result:Some People Are Saying We’ll Not Go To Court, We’ll Settle It On The Street—Na’Allah

Former Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah, has warned that Nigeria could experience serious violence during the 2027 general elections if growing political tensions and provocative statements by influential political figures are not properly addressed.

Na’Allah raised the concern while discussing the increasingly hostile political atmosphere surrounding preparations for the next presidential election. He expressed fears that the country could be heading towards one of its most dangerous electoral periods if political disagreements continue to intensify without responsible intervention.

The former senator identified reported attacks on political supporters, inflammatory comments and increasing confrontations among political leaders as developments capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.

He particularly expressed concern about statements suggesting that opposition politicians might resort to street demonstrations instead of approaching the courts if they believe the election results have been manipulated.

Na’Allah referred to comments attributed to former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye, who reportedly suggested that opposition groups could consider direct action rather than relying on legal procedures when challenging questionable electoral outcomes.

Reacting to the position, Na’Allah said he found such statements troubling and unfamiliar, questioning why political leaders would publicly discourage the use of established judicial channels to resolve electoral disagreements.

“There are statements that are equally not comforting. I have read some people say, including Dino, that they will not go to court. I have never heard this before in my life,” he stated.

According to the former lawmaker, comments of this nature could increase hostility among supporters of competing political parties and weaken public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

He maintained that political leaders have an important responsibility to control their language and avoid making declarations that could encourage confrontation as the election approaches. Na’Allah stressed that disagreements over election results should be addressed through constitutional provisions and the judicial system rather than actions capable of creating disorder.

He further warned that abandoning legal procedures in favour of street protests could turn political disagreements into serious confrontations, particularly in an atmosphere where supporters are already divided along party lines.

Na’Allah urged politicians, their supporters and other influential stakeholders to demonstrate restraint and respect the country’s legal framework. He argued that the success and peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections would depend significantly on the willingness of political actors to act responsibly.

He concluded that preventing electoral violence requires collective commitment, insisting that leaders must avoid statements and actions that could heighten tensions or threaten national stability.