By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
A prominent All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain and loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Khamis Musa Darazo, has urged relevant security authorities to carefully examine recent statements attributed to Senator Dino Melaye concerning the 2027 elections, particularly any remarks that could potentially heighten political tension or create unnecessary apprehension among Nigerians.
Musa Darazo who spoke while addressing Journalists on Thursday in Bauchi said the call should not be interpreted as an attempt to silence opposition voices or restrict democratic expression.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is strong enough to accommodate robust criticism, disagreement and political competition, but every political actor must also recognise the responsibility that comes with public statements.
Darazo
He argued that where a statement by any prominent political figure raises legitimate security concerns, the appropriate authorities should seek clarification through established legal and professional channels.
“This is not about persecution, intimidation or silencing the opposition. It is about responsibility. If a statement made by a prominent political actor has generated legitimate security concerns, the authorities have every right to seek clarification and establish the facts.”
Darazo said the approach should apply equally to supporters of the ruling party and opposition politicians, stressing that national security should never become a partisan instrument.
He further urged Senator Melaye and other political leaders to exercise restraint in their public commentary as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
According to him, Nigeria has experienced enough political tension and should not allow election rhetoric to create an atmosphere of fear, confrontation or instability.
“Political disagreement is normal in a democracy. What is unacceptable is allowing political competition to gradually become a source of tension among citizens. We should sell our ideas, present our records and persuade Nigerians rather than create unnecessary anxiety.”
The APC chieftain also challenged opposition politicians to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes, leadership capacity and verifiable records, rather than relying on provocative statements capable of dominating public discourse.
Darazo maintained that supporters of President Tinubu are prepared for the 2027 political contest and will continue to defend the administration based on its policies, achievements and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are not afraid of opposition. We welcome competition. But competition must be democratic, peaceful and issue-based. President Tinubu will be judged by Nigerians based on his record, just as every opposition politician will be judged by the people based on what they offer.”
He therefore called on the DSS and other relevant institutions to remain professional, impartial and guided by the law in responding to politically sensitive statements, while urging all political actors to prioritise Nigeria’s peace, unity and democratic stability above personal or partisan interests.
“The 2027 election should be a contest for the confidence of Nigerians, not a contest that puts the peace of Nigeria at risk. We can disagree politically without becoming enemies of the Nigerian state.”
