2027: Tinubu administration bent on winning by all means – Cardinal Onaiyekan
Cardinal Onaiyekan Raises Concerns Over Electoral Integrity Amid Political Climate
Abuja, Nigeria — Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, has voiced serious concerns regarding the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a live interview on Arise Television’s “Prime Time” on Friday, Cardinal Onaiyekan suggested that the Tinubu administration is overly focused on securing a victory in the 2027 elections, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the electoral process.
The cardinal expressed skepticism about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite President Tinubu’s assurances of its neutrality.
“We’re worried about the fact that President Tinubu’s administration is bent on winning the 2027 elections by all means,” Cardinal Onaiyekan stated. He warned that the government possesses various resources that could sway the electoral process, undermining the principle of free and fair elections.
He added, “We gave a warning that if we do not rearrange our election system to ensure that elections are genuinely free, fair, and credible, it can lead to difficulties.”
The cardinal emphasized that a one-party state, even under the guise of democracy, would not benefit Nigeria. He acknowledged the challenges faced by opposition parties but reiterated the importance of a fair electoral landscape.
“Even though the president has all the powers of incumbency, he is a candidate like any other person,” he concluded, urging for a system that upholds democratic values.
The remarks come at a time when electoral integrity is under scrutiny in Nigeria, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting democratic processes.
