Cardinal John Onaiyekan has called for stronger safeguards to ensure that Nigerians are able to determine their political leaders without interference during the 2027 general elections.
The former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja spoke on Monday in the nation’s capital while hosting representatives of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise. The delegation was headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Onaiyekan said the credibility of the 2027 polls would depend largely on the conduct of INEC, political parties, the government and other participants in the electoral process.
He said those involved must operate within the framework of the country’s electoral laws rather than take actions capable of undermining voters’ choices.
The cleric further appealed to security personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, warning that misconduct could escalate political tensions and create an atmosphere of violence.
He said Nigerians should not be deprived of the opportunity to independently decide who should govern them.
“There’s not much one can do, but all we can do is to remind people about the basic principles of a free, fair, and credible election.
“I hope that people, both the political gladiators and I hate the word, because gladiators are not very nice actors- political competitors on the field.
“And the umpire, that is the INEC. When I say the political actors, I include the government, because the government has a party that is also in the race. All of them, if they will follow the rules that we have made for ourselves, things will work well.”
Reflecting on previous electoral cycles, Onaiyekan said the National Peace Committee had played an important role in encouraging political actors to embrace peaceful conduct.
He referred to the peace agreements previously signed by politicians, but noted that commitments made during such exercises had not always been respected.
Despite this, he expressed hope that the next general election would mark an improvement in the country’s electoral process.
Onaiyekan also questioned the level of progress recorded in Nigerian elections since the restoration of democratic rule in 1999.
“I don’t think it has been improving. And if you look, for example, at the voter party figures, it’s not encouraging. Professor Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, has promised us that he’s going to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.
“So, to the INEC chairman, don’t tie your own hand. Do the right thing. The President says you are free. He’s not going to put undue pressure on you to do the wrong thing.
“So everybody must be responsible for what they do. And so there will be no room for people to be looking for excuses for not doing the right thing.
“You don’t need AI to have a free and fair election. We have practical rules. Let them do that. Let Nigerians, for once, there are only once in four years. Let us as individuals talk and take our decision about who rules us. They should allow us to enjoy that right to choose who we want to rule us.”
Ariwoola, who spoke on behalf of the visiting delegation, asked the cardinal to continue using his influence to encourage political leaders to embrace peaceful competition ahead of the 2027 campaign season.
The former CJN said political contests should not degenerate into personal attacks, provocative remarks or other forms of rhetoric capable of sparking unrest.
He also urged political parties and their candidates to operate according to their internal rules, electoral regulations and the guidelines established by INEC.
“Your Eminence, the main purpose of the council’s visit to you is to appreciate the fatherly role you have been playing in Nigeria and to request you to double your efforts in appealing to the Nigerian politicians to always listen to their own wise counsel during the upcoming political campaigns to have peaceful, free, fair and successful 2027 elections.
“It is also important for His Eminence to call on all candidates to ensure that the political campaigns are devoid of rancour, hate speech, inflammatory and unguided utterances capable of instigating violence. Nigeria deserves peaceful, transparent 2027 elections.
“The council will be very grateful if His Eminence would join it in appealing to the leaderships of political parties in Nigeria to always abide by the codes of conduct and constitutions of their respective parties so that they could earn the trust and respect of the electorate.
“It is also important to remind all candidates that as responsible Nigerians who aspire to secure the mandate to lead the country as a whole, exemplary conduct and inspiring attitude are expected from them at all times.
“They should lead in compelling members of their political parties and supporters to fully comply with the electoral laws and guidelines issued by the electoral umpire, to develop a culture of integrity and trust.”
The Council of the Wise brings together prominent Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones. The group engages political and other national stakeholders on issues relating to peaceful coexistence, democratic development and national unity.
