ONAIYEKAN URGES INEC TO PROTECT VOTERS’ CHOICE IN 2027

Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and political stakeholders to ensure Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders during the 2027 general elections.

Onaiyekan made the call in Abuja on Monday when he received 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 urged INEC, political actors and the government to follow the rules governing elections and ensure the process is free, fair and credible.

The cleric also called on security agencies to remain professional during the elections, warning against actions that could heighten tension and undermine the peaceful conduct of the polls.

Onaiyekan said previous peace efforts, including electoral accords signed by political actors, would only be effective if those involved honoured their commitments.

He also urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to uphold the commission’s independence and carry out his responsibilities according to the law.

Ariwoola, who led the Council of the Wise delegation, appealed to Onaiyekan to continue engaging politicians ahead of the elections. He urged political parties and candidates to comply with their constitutions, codes of conduct and INEC guidelines.

The Council also called on political actors to avoid hate speech, inflammatory statements and conduct that could contribute to electoral violence.