Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) has issued a warning to politicians against engaging in do-or-die politics. The senior lawyers, including Abdul Mohammed, Jibrin Okutepa, Yakubu Philemon, and Chief Mrs Wendy Kuku, emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and allowing the electorate to freely choose their leaders. This call was made during a prayer session to mark the opening of a new law office belonging to their colleague, Johnson Usman, SAN, in Abuja.
The senior lawyers stressed that strict adherence to the Constitution, Electoral Act 2026, and relevant party guidelines is crucial for promoting peaceful, free, and fair elections. They also highlighted that this approach would reduce avoidable post-election disputes and litigation. Abdul Mohammed, SAN, urged members of the political class to demonstrate maturity and focus their campaigns on issues rather than engaging in actions that could undermine the electoral process.
Mohammed emphasized the need for a peaceful transition and election, stating that politicians should play by the rules and shun actions capable of undermining peaceful and credible elections. He noted that Nigeria must demonstrate to the international community that it has matured democratically by ensuring peaceful elections and transitions. Mohammed also stressed that the choice of the electorate matters, and there should be no do-or-die affairs in the campaign.
Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, echoed Mohammed's sentiments, stating that politics should be conducted according to established rules and that the rule of law must remain supreme in all political activities. Okutepa emphasized that politicians should allow the people to decide who leads the country, rejecting political imposition at the party, state, or national level. He also stressed the importance of allowing the electorate to make their choices freely.
Yakubu Philemon, SAN, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, called on all stakeholders in the electoral process to play their respective roles fairly. He reminded politicians that elective positions are primarily positions of service to the people and that their campaigns should focus on issues rather than personal interests. Philemon also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness in the conduct of the elections.
The senior lawyers also congratulated Johnson Usman on the opening of his new purpose-built law office, which they described as a significant investment in the legal profession. The facility features a rich library and several meeting rooms. Okutepa described the facility as "fantastic" and urged Usman to continue upholding the integrity of the legal profession. Philemon encouraged Usman to use the new office as a platform for mentoring younger lawyers and promoting excellence in the legal profession.
Chief Mrs Wendy Kuku, SAN, attributed Usman's achievement to his faith, resilience, and hard work, stating that the new office is the product of years of dedication, perseverance, and support from his family. The senior lawyers' warning to politicians serves as a reminder of the importance of conducting elections in a peaceful and credible manner.
Key points
- Nigerian senior lawyers warn politicians against do-or-die politics ahead of 2027 elections.
- The lawyers emphasize the importance of adhering to the rules for peaceful, free, and fair elections.
- They also stress the need for politicians to focus on issues rather than personal interests during their campaigns.
