Cardinal Onaiyekan Issues Urgent Call for Electoral System Overhaul Before 2027
As Nigeria looks toward the pivotal 2027 general elections, a powerful voice has emerged demanding foundational change. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the respected former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, has issued a compelling and urgent appeal for a complete overhaul of the nation’s electoral system. His intervention underscores a growing national consensus that without credible and transparent processes, the legitimacy of future governance remains in jeopardy. This call for reform resonates deeply in a political climate where public trust in electoral institutions has been significantly eroded.
Cardinal Onaiyekan’s critique centers on the integrity of the electoral framework, which he argues has repeatedly failed to reflect the genuine will of the Nigerian people. He emphasized that the recurring disputes, litigations, and violence that follow each election cycle are symptoms of a profoundly flawed system. For the 2027 elections to represent a true democratic milestone, he insists that substantive reforms must be implemented well in advance, allowing for proper testing and public acclimatization. This is not merely a technical adjustment but a moral imperative to restore faith in the democratic process.
The Cardinal’s message arrives amidst a landscape of varied national conversations. While the sports world debates incidents like when Guardiola accuses Man United of specific tactical approaches, and the entertainment scene buzzes with the aftermath of Asake’s Lagos concert, the fundamental issue of political credibility demands a higher priority. Similarly, as discussions about the Anambra guber election begin early in political circles, and the CBN seeks governors’ cooperation on monetary policy, the underlying structure that enables all governance—the electoral system—must be secure. The discourse surrounding 2027 finds echoes in historical perspectives, much like when Ibb gives counsel on national unity, highlighting that foundational issues require wisdom and decisive action.
A key component of the proposed overhaul involves the independence and operational efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed the need for the commission to be truly free from political interference, adequately funded, and equipped with technology that is both robust and transparent. Furthermore, he pointed to the critical role of the judiciary, advocating for a specialized electoral tribunal system to expedite cases and ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done swiftly. These institutional reforms are vital to prevent the cycle of contested outcomes.
The call extends beyond institutions to encompass citizen participation and security. The Cardinal urged for enhanced civic education to empower voters and for stringent measures to protect them from intimidation and violence at polling units. The issue of vote-buying and the influence of illicit money in politics were also highlighted as cancers that must be eradicated for a healthy democracy to flourish. As the CBN seeks governors’ support for economic stability, a parallel effort is needed to cleanse the electoral process of financial corruption that distorts political representation.
Ultimately, Cardinal Onaiyekan’s appeal is a timely reminder that democracy is more than just the act of voting. It is an ecosystem built on trust, integrity, and fairness. As the nation looks ahead to 2027, the success of those elections will be predicated on the reforms undertaken today. The conversation started by the Cardinal must be embraced by all stakeholders—politicians, civil society, the judiciary, and every citizen. In the same way that planning for the Anambra guber election starts early to ensure smooth operations, national preparation for 2027 must begin now with a sincere commitment to rebuilding an electoral system that all Nigerians can believe in.
