The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has warned that many Nigerians may refuse to participate in the 2027 general elections if they believe the outcome has already been decided in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Monday during a programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, the cleric said public confidence in the electoral process is essential for democracy to thrive, stressing that perceptions of a predetermined outcome could discourage voter participation and weaken the legitimacy of any government elected.
According to Onaiyekan, credible, free and fair elections remain the foundation of good governance, noting that flawed elections often produce poor leadership and deepen the suffering of citizens.
He lamented that Nigeria is yet to conduct a truly free and fair election, attributing low voter turnout to growing public distrust in the electoral process. He urged authorities to restore confidence ahead of the 2027 polls to encourage greater participation.
The Cardinal also called for comprehensive electoral reforms, arguing that the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone is not enough to guarantee credible elections. He expressed concern over the conduct of some security personnel during elections, saying intimidation and interference undermine the integrity of the process.
Onaiyekan further questioned the current method of appointing INEC leadership, maintaining that allowing the government in power to appoint electoral officials raises concerns about impartiality. He called for reforms that would strengthen the independence of the electoral body and reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
