Cardinal John Onaiyekan has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to ensure Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 elections, while calling on security agencies to avoid actions that could heighten tensions. Onaiyekan spoke in Abuja on Monday while receiving members of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development […]
Cardinal John Onaiyekan has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to ensure Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 elections, while calling on security agencies to avoid actions that could heighten tensions.
Onaiyekan spoke in Abuja on Monday while receiving members of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
He said INEC, political parties, candidates and the government all had responsibilities in ensuring that the electoral process followed the rules and produced credible outcomes.
According to the cleric, political competition should not be allowed to undermine the peaceful conduct of elections or the ability of citizens to make their choices.
He specifically urged security agencies to remain professional during the 2027 polls, warning against actions that could create fear, tension or an atmosphere resembling a “war zone.”
Onaiyekan also pointed to the work of the National Peace Committee, which has facilitated commitments by political actors to responsible conduct during elections.
However, he expressed concern that some political actors had previously failed to honour such commitments, even as he said he hoped the 2027 elections would mark an improvement.
The cardinal further questioned the progress of Nigeria’s electoral system since 1999, saying elections had not improved significantly.
He urged INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan to uphold the commission’s responsibilities and ensure that the electoral body operates according to established rules.
Onaiyekan also argued that sophisticated technology was not a substitute for basic electoral integrity, stressing that Nigeria already had practical rules that could support free and credible elections if properly followed.
He urged Nigerians to exercise their democratic right to decide who governs them, noting that the opportunity to make such a choice comes only once every four years.
Ariwoola, who led the Council of the Wise delegation, asked Onaiyekan to continue engaging political leaders and encouraging them to support peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
He also urged political parties and candidates to comply with their constitutions, codes of conduct and INEC guidelines.
Ariwoola warned against hate speech, inflammatory statements and other forms of political rhetoric capable of triggering violence during the campaign period.
The Council of the Wise said responsible conduct by political leaders and their supporters would be essential to strengthening public confidence in the 2027 electoral process.