By Emmanuel Okogba

The Convener of the Naija In Safe Hands Project, Osabinu Olufemi, has warned against allowing fear, insecurity and national tragedies to influence Nigeria’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olufemi said Nigerians must remain vigilant and resist any attempt to exploit insecurity, terrorism and mass abductions for political advantage.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group drew parallels between the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls and the recent kidnapping incident in Orire, describing both events as significant security crises that emerged at critical moments in the nation’s political history.

According to him, the timing of such incidents raises important questions about the intersection between insecurity and political activities, particularly as politicians and interest groups begin positioning for another electoral cycle.

He noted that the Chibok abduction became a defining issue in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election, influencing public discourse and shaping perceptions about governance and national security.

More than a decade later, he said, Nigeria is once again witnessing disturbing cases of mass abductions at a period when political realignments and preparations for future elections are gathering momentum.

“The similarities in timing are difficult to ignore. In both situations, insecurity became the dominant national conversation, while questions about the effectiveness of government institutions moved to the centre of public debate,” he said.

Olufemi stressed that the observations were not intended to make allegations against any individual or group but to encourage citizens to remain alert and demand accountability from public institutions.

He expressed concern over reports that kidnappers had threatened to kill their captives if security forces attempted rescue operations, saying such developments warranted deeper scrutiny beyond the issue of ransom demands.

“History has shown that fear can become a powerful political instrument. When citizens are overwhelmed by insecurity, national conversations on development, governance and economic reforms risk being overshadowed,” he stated.

The group warned that the lives of innocent Nigerians must never become tools in political contests or bargaining chips in struggles for power and influence.

It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping while ensuring greater transparency in the nation’s security operations.

Olufemi specifically urged the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Directorate of Military Intelligence, the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff to provide Nigerians with comprehensive updates on efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

He also demanded the identification and prosecution of financiers, collaborators, informants and other enablers allegedly sustaining criminal networks.

According to him, Nigerians deserve to know whether criminal elements are receiving support from individuals operating within communities, institutions or political structures.

The group maintained that exposing those behind insecurity was critical to restoring public confidence and strengthening democratic stability.

“As the country moves towards another election cycle, Nigerians must ensure that fear and bloodshed do not become instruments for shaping political outcomes.

” The future of our democracy must be determined by the will of the people, not by the politics of fear,” Olufemi added.