Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, have 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 when he received a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Ariwoola-led Council of the Wise. He urged INEC, political parties and the government to abide by the rules governing elections and uphold the principles of free, fair and credible polls.
He also called on security agencies to remain professional during the elections and avoid actions that could heighten tension or create conditions capable of turning the country into a “war zone.” Onaiyekan said the National Peace Committee had worked to promote peaceful elections, including facilitating an electoral accord among political actors.
The former archbishop, however, expressed concern that some political actors had previously violated such commitments. He urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to exercise the independence of the Commission and conduct the elections in accordance with the law. INEC has stated that its mandate is to deliver free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
Onaiyekan also called on Nigerians to recognise the importance of elections as an opportunity to determine who governs them, stressing that citizens should be allowed to exercise their right to choose their leaders without interference.
In his remarks, Ariwoola urged Onaiyekan to intensify his appeals to political leaders and candidates ahead of the 2027 campaigns. He called for campaigns to be conducted without hate speech, inflammatory statements, rancour or other actions capable of provoking violence.
The former CJN also urged political parties and candidates to comply with their respective constitutions, codes of conduct and INEC guidelines, while encouraging political leaders to ensure that their supporters adhere to electoral laws.
The Council of the Wise comprises prominent Nigerians drawn from the six geopolitical zones and is mandated to engage stakeholders, promote national unity and support efforts to strengthen democratic governance.
