Onaiyekan Urges INEC, Political Actors to Protect Nigerians’ Choice in 2027

John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and political stakeholders to guarantee that Nigerians can select their leaders without hindrance in the 2027 general elections. Onaiyekan issued the appeal on Monday in Abuja when he hosted a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise. The group was led by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria. The cleric said INEC, political parties, candidates and the governing authorities should follow electoral regulations and strive for a process that is free, fair and credible. He also advised security agencies to act professionally and without bias during the polls, cautioning against steps that could inflame tensions or reduce the country to a ‘war zone.’ According to Onaiyekan, there is limited action available to observers, but they can continue to remind stakeholders of the fundamental standards of a free, fair and credible election. He emphasized that the credibility of the election would not depend on INEC alone. Political actors and the government also shared responsibility, he said, pointing out that the ruling party would be competing in the election. Onaiyekan also spoke about the National Peace Committee’s efforts, noting that peace accords had been used over the years to persuade political actors to commit to peaceful behavior. He expressed worry that some had previously violated such pledges, but said he hoped the 2027 contests would be better. He specifically urged INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan to protect the commission’s independence and allow Nigerians to freely exercise their right to choose their leaders. Amupitan has led INEC since October 2025 and has said publicly that the commission is mandated to conduct elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive. Onaiyekan told the INEC chairman not to limit himself and to do what is right. He added that artificial intelligence was not needed for a free and fair election, since practical rules already exist. Nigerians, he said, should be allowed to discuss and decide who governs them, especially because the opportunity comes only once every four years. Ariwoola, in his remarks, encouraged Onaiyekan to keep pressing politicians to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. He also urged candidates and their backers to refrain from hate speech, inflammatory language and any behavior that could spark violence during campaigns. Ariwoola called on parties and candidates to obey their constitutions, codes of conduct, electoral laws and INEC guidelines. Following those rules, he argued, would help boost public confidence in the electoral process. He said it was important to remind all candidates that as responsible Nigerians seeking a mandate to lead the entire country, they should always display exemplary conduct and an inspiring attitude. The Council of the Wise is made up of notable Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones and interacts with political and civic stakeholders on national unity, peace and democratic governance. INEC’s current schedule places the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are set for March 6.