John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political leaders to guarantee that Nigerians can freely select their leaders in the upcoming 2027 elections. His remarks came during a meeting in Abuja with the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Cardinal Onaiyekan emphasized the importance of adhering to electoral rules and urged all stakeholders to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. He expressed concern over the potential for violence and unrest, urging security agencies to act professionally and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions during the electoral process.

“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,” Onaiyekan stated. He pointed out that both political actors and the electoral body must adhere to established rules to foster a conducive environment for the elections.

The Cardinal also highlighted the role of the National Peace Committee in promoting peaceful elections, noting that the committee has worked to encourage political actors to commit to responsible conduct through the signing of peace accords. However, he expressed disappointment that some politicians have failed to uphold these commitments, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Reflecting on the state of Nigeria's elections since the return to democracy in 1999, Onaiyekan remarked, “I don’t think it has been improving,” referencing discouraging voter turnout figures. He urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to ensure that the commission delivers on its promise of a credible election, stating, “Don’t tie your own hand. Do the right thing.”

The former Archbishop called on the government to refrain from exerting undue pressure on INEC, insisting that the electoral body must operate independently to uphold the democratic process. He reiterated the importance of allowing Nigerians to exercise their right to choose their leaders every four years without interference.

During the meeting, the Council of the Wise echoed Onaiyekan’s sentiments, urging politicians to promote peaceful and respectful campaigns devoid of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. Justice Ariwoola emphasized the need for political parties and candidates to adhere to their constitutions and the electoral guidelines set by INEC, reinforcing the importance of integrity in the electoral process.

The Council of the Wise, comprising prominent figures from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aims to engage stakeholders in promoting national unity and strengthening democratic governance. They expressed gratitude to Cardinal Onaiyekan for his ongoing efforts in advocating for peaceful elections and encouraged him to continue his appeals to politicians ahead of the critical 2027 elections.