Onaiyekan Critiques Tinubu's 2027 Election Strategy

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being determined to win the 2027 elections by any means necessary. During an interview on ARISE NEWS’ Prime Time program, Onaiyekan expressed concerns about the government's approach to the electoral process, particularly following a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on July 28, where Tinubu allegedly dismissed their assessment of the economy and insecurity.

In response, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, criticized Onaiyekan's comments, stating that he was speaking for Catholics rather than all Christians. Onaiyekan warned that the current administration might leverage its incumbency to undermine electoral credibility, raising fears that the electoral process could be compromised despite appearing free and fair.

He emphasized the urgent need for electoral reform to ensure that future elections reflect the true will of the people and cautioned against the drift towards a one-party state.