Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and political actors to ensure that Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders through a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Onaiyekan made this statement in Abuja when he received the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Ariwoola-led Council of the Wise. He emphasized the importance of abiding by the rules governing elections.
Onaiyekan also urged security agencies to maintain professionalism during the 2027 elections, warning against actions that could create tension or turn the country into a “war zone” because of the polls. He stated that there’s not much one can do, but all they can do is to remind people about the basic principles of a free, fair, and credible election. Onaiyekan expressed hope that political actors, including the government, would follow the rules that have been made for themselves.
The National Peace Committee, led by Onaiyekan, has done its best to promote peaceful elections, including organizing the signing of an electoral accord by political actors committing themselves to responsible conduct. However, Onaiyekan expressed concern that some political actors had violated such commitments. He remained hopeful that the 2027 elections would be better. Onaiyekan added that Nigeria’s elections had not improved significantly since 1999.
Onaiyekan further stated that the voter party figures are not encouraging. He noted that INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, has promised to deliver a free, fair, and credible election. Onaiyekan urged everyone to be responsible for their actions and not look for excuses for not doing the right thing. He emphasized that Nigerians should be allowed to enjoy their right to choose who they want to rule them.
The Ariwoola-led Council of the Wise urged Cardinal Onaiyekan to intensify calls on politicians to ensure peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. The Council also urged political parties and candidates to abide by their constitutions, codes of conduct, and INEC guidelines. They emphasized the importance of avoiding hate speech, rancour, and inflammatory statements capable of triggering violence.
The Council of the Wise, comprising prominent Nigerians drawn from the six geopolitical zones, is mandated to engage stakeholders, promote national unity, and strengthen democratic governance. The Council’s visit to Onaiyekan aimed to appreciate his fatherly role in Nigeria and request that he double his efforts in appealing to Nigerian politicians to listen to their wise counsel during the upcoming political campaigns.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a significant event in Nigeria’s democratic history. Various stakeholders, including Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Council of the Wise, are working to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free, fair, and credible. Their efforts aim to promote national unity and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.
Key points
- Cardinal John Onaiyekan urges INEC and political actors to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process in the 2027 general elections.
