Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and political actors to ensure that Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 general elections.
Onaiyekan made the call on Monday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from 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 called on INEC, political parties, candidates and the government to comply with electoral rules and work towards a free, fair and credible process.
The cleric also urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial during the elections, warning against actions that could heighten tensions or turn the country into a “war zone”. “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 said.
