The Catholic Bishop of the Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Godfrey Onah, has cautioned political officeholders against undermining rivals or attempting to distort electoral processes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Addressing the coming elections and the responsibilities of incumbents, Onah said elected leaders have no special entitlement to remain in office. Their legitimate advantage, he argued, is limited to presenting their record in government and persuading voters that they can deliver stronger results if returned.
“As Nigerians prepare to go through the process of selecting those who will lead us come 2027, the only advantage an incumbent has is that they can point to what they have done and try to convince us that they will do better,” he said.
The bishop said voters, rather than political actors seeking to control the process, must make the ultimate choice. “It is now left to us to decide, not by manipulating the system or stopping the opposition. Manipulate the system at your peril,” Onah added.
He stressed that neither a serving governor nor a sitting president is guaranteed a party ticket or re-election, maintaining that citizens hold the final authority. That choice, he said, must not be influenced through vote rigging, coercion or intimidation.
Onah urged Nigerians to protect democratic institutions and resist any attempt by politicians to prevent opposition candidates from taking part in the 2027 contest.
