Nigerian Catholic Archbishop Emeritus, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged politicians and security agencies to ensure the 2027 general elections are peaceful and do not turn the country into a war zone. He emphasized that Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose their leaders without interference. Onaiyekan made these remarks when the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development's Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, visited him in Abuja.
Onaiyekan also advised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, not to allow pressure to compromise the credibility of the election. He recalled a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who assured them that INEC was free to conduct the election without interference. Onaiyekan urged Amupitan to do the right thing and not tie his own hands, adding that a credible election did not require extraordinary measures.
The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development's Council of the Wise was reconstituted in June 2026 to promote peaceful elections. The council's efforts aim to ensure that political actors and stakeholders fulfill their roles responsibly ahead of the 2027 elections. Former Chief Justice Ariwoola said the council was established to address Nigeria's history of electoral violence and other practices that undermine democratic processes.
Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has also urged Nigerians to vote to stay alive and assess every public office seeker before making a choice. He emphasized the importance of service to nation and family, saying that society is driven by the spirit of service. Kukah made these remarks at the Fr. Dennis Slattery Memorial Lecture, Awards and Fundraising, where he spoke on the topic 'To Conquer or to Serve'.
Kukah encouraged young people to learn from Fr. Slattery's example, emphasizing the importance of discipline and living in peace with oneself. He also urged voters to use the internet and social media to research candidates and make informed decisions. According to Kukah, voters are not helpless and have a responsibility to make the right choices.
The Catholic Church has made significant contributions to human development and education in Nigeria. With over 231 schools and 171 universities worldwide, the church educates 72 million people. Onaiyekan and Kukah's remarks emphasize the importance of peaceful elections and voter responsibility in Nigeria's democratic process.
As the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians are being urged to prioritize peaceful and responsible voting. The clergy's emphasis on voter responsibility and the importance of service to nation and family highlights the need for a more engaged and informed electorate. With the right mindset and approach, Nigerians can work towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Key points
- Cardinal Onaiyekan urges INEC to conduct a credible election without interference.
- Bishop Kukah emphasizes the importance of voter responsibility and service to nation and family.
- The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development promotes peaceful elections through its Council of the Wise.
