Cardinal John Onaiyekan on Monday called on Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027 without tying his own hands, saying President Bola Tinubu has given him the freedom to operate independently.
The former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja made the remarks in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola.
Onaiyekan said stakeholders must return to the basic principles of credible elections and ensure political competition does not undermine voters’ rights. He expressed concern that Nigeria’s electoral process has shown little improvement since the return to civilian rule in 1999, pointing to discouraging voter participation figures.
He noted Amupitan’s public commitment to deliver a free, fair and credible poll and urged the commission’s leadership to follow the rules without succumbing to undue influence.
“So, to the INEC Chairman, the President says you are free. Don’t tie your own hand. Do the right thing. The President says you are free. He’s not going to put undue pressure for you to do the wrong thing,” Onaiyekan said.
He stressed that every stakeholder must take responsibility for their actions so that no one has room for excuses. The cardinal also dismissed the idea that sophisticated technology is required for credible elections, arguing that existing practical rules are sufficient if properly applied.
“You don’t need AI to have a free and fair election. We have rules that are practical. Let them do that,” he said.
Onaiyekan further called on security agencies to maintain professionalism during the polls and avoid actions that could create tension or turn the country into a “war zone.” He reminded Nigerians that elections, held only once every four years, offer citizens the constitutional opportunity to choose their leaders and urged that this right be respected.
The comments come as political parties, INEC, security agencies and other actors begin preparations for the 2027 general elections amid continuing questions about the credibility and transparency of the process.
In a related statement last Thursday in Enugu, Onaiyekan said governors, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, have no duty to instruct citizens on how to vote. He noted that governors, like every other eligible voter, cast only one ballot and that elections need not be treated as an overly complicated exercise.
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