Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other political stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 general elections.

Onaiyekan made the call on Monday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

He urged INEC, political parties, candidates and the government to respect electoral laws and work towards ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process.

The cleric also called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial during the elections, warning against actions that could heighten tensions and plunge the country into crisis.

“There’s not much one can do, but all we can do is to remind people about the basic principles of a free, fair, and credible election,” Onaiyekan said.

He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections would not depend solely on INEC, but also on political parties, candidates and the government, noting that the ruling party would equally participate in the contest.

Onaiyekan also recalled the efforts of the National Peace Committee to promote peaceful elections through agreements and commitments by political actors, but expressed concern that some politicians had failed to honour such commitments in previous elections.

He urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to safeguard the commission’s independence and ensure that Nigerians are able to exercise their right to freely elect their leaders.

“So, to the INEC chairman, don’t tie your own hand. Do the right thing,” he said.

“You don’t need AI to have a free and fair election. We have practical rules. Let them do that. Let Nigerians, for once, there are only once in four years. Let us as individuals talk and take our decision about who rules us. They should allow us to enjoy that right to choose who we want to rule us.”

On his part, Ariwoola urged Onaiyekan to intensify his advocacy for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 polls.

He called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun hate speech, inflammatory remarks and other actions capable of triggering violence during campaigns.

Ariwoola also urged candidates and political parties to adhere to their constitutions, codes of conduct, electoral laws and INEC guidelines, saying compliance with the rules would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

He said candidates seeking to lead the country should demonstrate exemplary conduct and responsible leadership throughout the electoral process.

The Council of the Wise comprises prominent Nigerians drawn from the six geopolitical zones and engages political and civic stakeholders on issues relating to national unity, peace and democratic governance.