The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has warned that Nigeria risks a deeper crisis of voter apathy and weakened democratic legitimacy if citizens enter the 2027 general elections with the belief that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is certain to retain power regardless of how people vote.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the respected Catholic cleric said public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process must be urgently restored to guarantee credible elections and strengthen democratic governance.
According to him, any widespread perception that election outcomes are predetermined would discourage millions of Nigerians from participating in the democratic process.
“My fear is that if it becomes very clear to Nigerians that no matter what happens, the APC will win, then most people won’t even bother to go to the election. And even if the government wins, it will not amount to a real victory because it will be difficult to deliver good governance,” he said.
Onaiyekan argued that democracy can only flourish where elections are genuinely free, fair and transparent, stressing that the quality of governance is directly linked to the credibility of elections.
He lamented the growing voter apathy witnessed in recent elections, describing it as evidence of declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to him, bad elections inevitably produce poor governance, which in turn results in hardship for citizens.
“Genuine democracy is built on free, fair and credible elections. Bad elections lead to bad governance, and bad governance leads to misery among the people,” he stated.
The Cardinal maintained that Nigeria has yet to conduct what he considers a truly free and fair election, urging the Federal Government to rebuild public confidence in the electoral process before the 2027 polls.
He said Nigerians would only be motivated to vote if they were convinced that every vote would count.
“I think it is in our interest, and in the interest of the government, to restore confidence in the electoral process so that at least 50 per cent of Nigerians will participate in elections. Once people believe the electoral field is fair and equal for everybody, they will know their votes truly count,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Onaiyekan noted that unlike military governments, elected leaders derive their legitimacy from the people and must therefore remain accountable through transparent elections.
“When we were under military rule, they never claimed to govern in our name. Today, elected leaders say they govern on behalf of Nigerians, so citizens have every right to demand accountability,” he added.
Drawing lessons from established democracies such as the United Kingdom, the cleric said peaceful alternation of power remains one of democracy’s greatest strengths.
He explained that mature democracies thrive because political parties understand that power changes hands through credible elections, thereby strengthening institutions rather than individuals.
Onaiyekan also insisted that electoral credibility extends beyond the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the conduct of security agencies during elections significantly influences public confidence.
He alleged that security personnel often intimidate voters during elections, contrary to democratic practices observed in advanced democracies.
“Even if INEC is neutral, the behaviour of security agencies also affects election outcomes. We often see security operatives intimidating citizens, something that should have no place in a decent democracy,” he observed.
The Archbishop Emeritus renewed his longstanding call for comprehensive electoral reforms, particularly regarding the appointment of INEC leadership.
He argued that allowing the government in power to appoint the electoral commission’s leadership creates widespread perceptions of bias, regardless of the personal integrity of those appointed.
“We know the government appoints INEC. We must find a better system because it is difficult to convince people that the process is completely fair when the ruling government appoints those who supervise elections. It takes an exceptionally courageous INEC chairman to resist political pressure,” he stated.
On the forthcoming August 15 Osun State governorship election, where he recently led members of the National Peace Committee in facilitating the signing of a peace accord by political parties, Onaiyekan admitted that previous peace agreements had often failed to prevent electoral violence.
He described the peace accords as necessary acts of faith designed to encourage political actors to embrace peaceful conduct despite recurring disappointments.
“Every peace accord has always been an act of faith. We hope politicians will honour what they sign, but sadly reality often proves otherwise,” he said.
The Cardinal noted the unique political circumstances surrounding the Osun governorship election, observing that the incumbent governor enjoys considerable grassroots support despite belonging to a smaller political platform, while the APC also commands significant federal influence.
He expressed concern over allegations and counter-allegations of intimidation among political actors, warning that such developments threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.
“The governor belongs to a relatively small political party but has considerable grassroots support, while the APC also has the advantage of being the ruling party at the centre. Unfortunately, there are already accusations of intimidation from different sides, and that should not be,” he noted.
Onaiyekan appealed to politicians to place national interest above personal ambition by allowing citizens to vote freely without fear or violence.
He reminded political leaders that politics should be about serving the people rather than acquiring power at all costs.
“We pray that peace will prevail and ordinary Nigerians will be allowed to cast their votes freely while politicians restrain themselves from destroying the democratic process because of personal ambition,” he said.
The cleric maintained that credible elections remain the strongest foundation for national development, urging government institutions, political parties, security agencies and citizens to work together to protect Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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