2027: Onaiyekan Sends Strong Message To INEC, Says Let Nigerians Choose Their Leaders

Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates and the government to ensure that Nigerians are given the opportunity to freely choose their leaders during the 2027 general elections.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Onaiyekan made the call on Monday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The cleric urged all stakeholders to abide by electoral laws and established guidelines, stressing the need for a free, fair and credible electoral process. He also called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial throughout the elections, warning against actions that could escalate tensions or create an atmosphere of violence.

Onaiyekan said the responsibility for ensuring credible elections should not rest solely on INEC, but should also be shared by political parties, candidates and the government. He noted that the ruling party would also be participating in the election and should therefore be subject to the same rules as other political actors.

He also reflected on the activities of the National Peace Committee, noting that the body had over the years encouraged political actors to commit themselves to peaceful elections through the signing of peace accords. However, he expressed concern that some politicians had failed to honour such commitments in previous elections, while hoping that the 2027 exercise would bring improvements.

Onaiyekan specifically urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to protect the independence of the electoral commission and ensure that eligible Nigerians are able to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

He stressed that there were already practical electoral rules capable of guiding the process, arguing that stakeholders should focus on implementing those rules rather than relying solely on technology. He called on Nigerians to use the opportunity provided by elections to make informed decisions about those they want to govern them.

Speaking during the meeting, Ariwoola urged Onaiyekan to continue encouraging politicians to pursue peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. He also appealed to candidates and their supporters to avoid hate speech, inflammatory remarks and other forms of conduct capable of triggering violence during political campaigns.

The former Chief Justice further urged political parties and candidates to comply with their party constitutions, codes of conduct, electoral laws and INEC guidelines, saying adherence to the rules would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The Council of the Wise, which comprises prominent Nigerians from the country’s six geopolitical zones, engages political and civic stakeholders on issues including national unity, peace and democratic governance.

INEC’s published timetable schedules the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.