Ahead of the 2027 general elections, senior advocates in Nigeria have urged politicians to conduct electioneering activities in accordance with the constitutional provisions and electoral laws. The call was made during a prayer session to mark the opening and dedication of a new law firm by Mr Johnson Usman, SAN, in Abuja. The lawyers emphasized the need for politicians to play by the rules to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election.
Abdul Mohammed, SAN, urged politicians to display maturity and engage in issue-based campaigns before, during, and after the election. He said any conduct that could hinder a peaceful election should be shunned, citing Ghana's example as a country with a sustained democratic setup in Africa. Mohammed emphasized that the choice of the electorate matters and that there should be no do-or-die affairs in the campaign.
Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, corroborated Mohammed's statement, saying politics should be played according to the rules and that politicians should ensure the rule of law is supreme in all they do. He stated that politicians should allow the people to decide who leads the country, rejecting political imposition at the party, state, or national level.
Yakubu Philemon, SAN, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch, called on stakeholders to play their part fairly in the conduct of the election. He encouraged politicians to focus on issues rather than individuals, proffering solutions to problems rather than engaging in personal attacks. Philemon also emphasized the importance of INEC being transparent, free, and fair.
The senior lawyers congratulated their colleague, Johnson Usman, SAN, on the opening of his new office edifice, describing it as a purpose-built office with a rich library and several meeting rooms. They praised Usman's investment in the practice of law and urged him to continue upholding the integrity of the profession.
The lawyers praised Usman's achievement, with Chief Mrs Wendy Kuku, SAN, saying that hard work, resilience, and putting God first had led to the success. She expressed no surprise at the development, attributing it to Usman's long-standing dedication and his wife's support.
Key points from the discussion include the need for politicians to engage in issue-based campaigns, allow the electorate to decide who leads the country, and for INEC to be transparent and fair. The lawyers emphasized that playing by the rules will ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election.
Key points
- Senior lawyers urge politicians to engage in issue-based campaigns and play by the rules.
- The lawyers emphasize the importance of INEC being transparent, free, and fair.
- The new law firm, opened by Johnson Usman, SAN, is seen as a symbol of investment in the practice of law and a platform for mentorship.
