As the 2027 general elections approach, senior lawyers in Nigeria, known as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), have urged politicians to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes a peaceful transition of power. They emphasized the need for issue-based campaigns and respect for the electorate's choice. This call was made during a prayer session marking the opening of a new law firm by Johnson Usman, SAN, in Abuja.
Abdul Mohammed, SAN, stressed the importance of maturity in politics, stating that politicians should focus on issues rather than engaging in "do-or-die" politics. He cited Ghana's example of sustained democratic stability, which has been recognized at the UN General Assembly, as a model for Nigeria to emulate. Mohammed emphasized that the electorate's choice must be respected to ensure a peaceful election.
Okutepa, SAN, echoed Mohammed's sentiments, emphasizing that politicians must submit to the rule of law and allow citizens to decide their leaders. He rejected political imposition at any level, stressing the need for a fair and transparent electoral process. This, he believes, will help reduce post-election litigation and promote stability.
Yakubu Philemon, SAN, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association's Abuja Branch, urged all election stakeholders to play their part fairly. He emphasized that elective office is a call to service rather than a personal contest. Philemon suggested that campaigns should focus on issues and proffer solutions rather than personal attacks, which can lead to disputes.
Philemon also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct itself transparently, ensuring that losing candidates readily accept defeat. This, he believes, will promote peace and stability in the electoral process. The lawyers' call for a peaceful and transparent election process is timely, given the concerns about the increasing temperature in Nigerian politics.
The event, which marked the opening of Johnson Usman's new law firm, was also an opportunity for the lawyers to congratulate their colleague on his new office. They described the ultra-modern facility as a "research centre" with an extensive library and multiple meeting rooms. The lawyers urged Usman to use the facility as a platform to mentor younger lawyers and promote legal scholarship.
The senior lawyers' call for a peaceful transition and rule of law in the 2027 elections is significant, given their influence and reputation in Nigerian society. Their emphasis on issue-based campaigns, respect for the electorate's choice, and transparency in the electoral process is expected to shape the debate on the elections.
Key points
- The Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have urged politicians to ensure a peaceful transition of power and uphold the rule of law in the 2027 general elections.
- The lawyers emphasized the need for issue-based campaigns and respect for the electorate's choice to promote a peaceful election.
- They cited Ghana's example of sustained democratic stability as a model for Nigeria to emulate.
