Cardinal John Onaiyekan has urged Nigeria’s electoral authorities and political stakeholders to create conditions that allow voters to freely decide who leads the country in the 2027 elections.
The former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja made the call on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise.
The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Onaiyekan said INEC, political parties, candidates and the government must respect the rules guiding the electoral process.
He also called on security agencies to remain neutral and professional before, during and after the elections.
According to the cleric, every effort should be made to prevent political activities from escalating into violence or creating unnecessary tension across the country.
Onaiyekan said the responsibility for credible elections extends beyond the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He noted that political parties and candidates, as well as the government in power, must also play their part in ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without interference.
The cleric recalled the work of the National Peace Committee, which has encouraged political actors to sign peace agreements ahead of previous elections.
He expressed concern that some politicians had failed to honour such commitments in the past but hoped the 2027 elections would produce a different experience.
Onaiyekan also addressed INEC Chairman Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, urging him to preserve the commission’s independence and implement the electoral rules without compromise.
He said the country already has practical rules for conducting elections and argued that proper implementation should remain the priority.
Ariwoola, meanwhile, asked Onaiyekan to continue using his influence to promote peaceful and credible elections.
The former Chief Justice urged politicians and their supporters to avoid hate speech, inflammatory comments and conduct that could provoke violence during campaigns.
He also advised political parties and candidates to follow their internal rules, codes of conduct, electoral laws and INEC guidelines.
Ariwoola said those seeking the mandate to lead Nigeria should demonstrate responsible conduct and encourage their supporters to do the same.
The Council of the Wise is made up of prominent Nigerians from the country’s six geopolitical zones. The group engages political and civic stakeholders on issues including peace, national unity and democratic governance.
INEC’s timetable places the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027. The governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
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