Onaiyekan Calls for Free Elections in Nigeria's 2027 Polls

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, along with the Council of the Wise led by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate a free, fair, and credible electoral process for the upcoming 2027 general elections. During a meeting in Abuja with the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Onaiyekan stressed the need for adherence to electoral rules and urged security agencies to act professionally to avoid creating a tense environment.

He expressed concern over the lack of significant improvement in Nigeria's elections since 1999 and highlighted the importance of political actors abiding by commitments made in electoral accords. Onaiyekan also noted that INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan had promised to deliver credible elections and urged him to act independently without external pressure.

He emphasized the critical nature of allowing Nigerians to exercise their right to choose their leaders every four years.