2027: Allow Nigerians choose their leaders, Onaiyekan urges INEC

Ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Council of the Wise have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political actors to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Onaiyekan emphasized the importance of following election rules and maintaining professionalism during the polls to avoid a "war zone" scenario.

He called on security agencies and political stakeholders to abide by the established guidelines to ensure Nigerians can freely choose their leaders. The Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, expressed concern over political actors' violations of their commitments and urged politicians to avoid hate speech, rancour, and inflammatory statements that could incite violence.

They also emphasized the need for political parties and candidates to adhere to their constitutions, codes of conduct, and INEC guidelines.