Most Rev Godfrey Onah, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, has strongly cautioned political actors against undermining the electoral process or blocking opposition figures ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The cleric emphasized that holding political power does not grant anyone a guaranteed path to victory.
Speaking on the political landscape and the obligations of sitting leaders, Bishop Onah stressed that the sole merit an incumbent possesses is the ability to showcase past achievements and persuade the electorate of future potential. He made it clear that democratic choices belong exclusively to the citizens.
"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," Bishop Onah stated.
He further warned, "It is now left to us to decide, not by manipulating the system or stopping the opposition. Manipulate the system at your peril."
What did the cleric say about incumbent officeholders?
Addressing the mindset of sitting governors and the president, the bishop maintained that no leader possesses an automatic ticket to retain power. He argued that the ultimate authority rests with the voting public and must never be subverted through electoral fraud or intimidation.
Furthermore, the religious leader urged Nigerians to actively protect the nation's democratic structures, insisting that no politician should be permitted to unlawfully exclude rival parties from participating in the electoral contest.
Context and Background on Nigerian Elections
Electoral integrity remains a central issue in Nigeria, where civil society organizations and religious leaders frequently speak out against malpractice, vote-buying, and the suppression of political opposition. Independent bodies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission oversee these transitional processes, which continue to attract intense scrutiny from domestic and international observers alike.