{
  "id": 10498032,
  "title": "2027: Allow Nigerians choose their leaders, Onaiyekan urges INEC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/2027-allow-nigerians-choose-their-leaders-onaiyekan-urges-inec-10498032",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T17:58:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/2027-allow-nigerians-choose-their-leaders-onaiyekan-urges-inec/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political actors to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Onaiyekan highlighted the importance of adhering to election rules and maintaining professionalism by security agencies during the polls. He warned against actions that could lead to tension or war, emphasizing that all parties involved, including the government, should follow the established guidelines for a successful election. The Council of the Wise called on politicians to avoid hate speech and inflammatory statements that could incite violence, while also urging candidates to uphold exemplary conduct and promote integrity in the electoral process.",
  "summary": "Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Cardinal John Onaiyekan has urged INEC and political actors to ensure Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their lea Read More: https://punchng.com/2027-allow-nigerians-choose-their-leaders-onaiyekan-urges-inec/",
  "key_points": [
    "Cardinal John Onaiyekan urges INEC for free, fair 2027 elections",
    "Council of the Wise warns against hate speech, violence incitement",
    "Candidates called to uphold integrity, exemplary conduct"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "CBN urges Nigerians to handle Naira with care",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/cbn-urges-nigerians-to-handle-naira-with-care",
        "published": "2026-09-28T15:34:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "2027: Allow Nigerians choose their leaders, Onaiyekan urges INEC",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/2027-allow-nigerians-choose-their-leaders-onaiyekan-urges-inec",
        "published": "2026-09-28T17:26:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}