Emeka Anyaoku, who previously held the position of Commonwealth Secretary- General, cautioned on Friday that the global community will be attentive to the preparations and execution of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Anyaoku made this assertion while presenting the chairman’s opening remarks during the 2026 memorial lecture by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, held in Ikenne, Ogun State, in tribute to the late nationalist Obafemi Awolowo.
This event also commemorated the 117th anniversary of Awolowo's birth.
Addressing the state of Nigeria’s political atmosphere in light of the approaching elections, Anyaoku called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process. He emphasized this need, especially against the backdrop of disputes surrounding electronic result transmission.
“Regarding the upcoming 2027 elections, I urge the Government and particularly INEC, especially in light of the debate surrounding the electronic transmission of votes from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portals (IREV), to understand that the international community will be watching the political campaigns of parties, the procedures in place, and the actual conduct of the elections,” he stated.
He further mentioned that the elections' outcomes would be subjected to global evaluation for their credibility.
Anyaoku warned that the results would be scrutinized for fairness and transparency by other nations, especially those with diplomatic ties in Nigeria.
Moreover, the elder statesman expressed grave concern regarding the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing instances of kidnappings, murders, and abductions across different states.
He argued that it is reasonable for the government to seek assistance from allied countries to mitigate this crisis.
“On the current alarming insecurity affecting numerous states, I believe that after more than a decade of ineffectiveness in curbing kidnappings, abductions, killings, and the increasing number of those forcibly displaced from their homes and farmlands, the Federal Government is justified in seeking collaboration with friendly nations to tackle the internal security challenges facing the country,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Anyaoku urged that such collaborations should uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He said, “The only requirement is that in pursuing the eradication of bandits and jihadists, the collaborative efforts should respect Nigeria's sovereignty.”
Reflecting on Awolowo’s legacy, Anyaoku referred to him as one of the key architects of modern Nigeria, whose leadership profoundly impacted the nation’s political narrative.
“It is essential to recognize that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was one of the three founding fathers of contemporary Nigeria,” he stated.
He acknowledged Awolowo’s significant roles as Premier of the Western Region, Leader of the Opposition in Nigeria's independence parliament, and later as Vice Chairman and Commissioner of Finance during the nation’s early military period, demonstrating remarkable leadership.
“These impeccable legacies underscore the saying that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the best President Nigeria never had,” Anyaoku emphasized.
He also noted that the foundation named after Awolowo established a leadership award to honor individuals who exemplify the late leader's principles.
“These values encompass personal discipline, intellectual leadership, integrity, competence, pro-people policies, and sincere patriotism,” he elaborated.
Additionally, Adewole Adebayo, the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), remarked that many of the government's policies contradict the ideals of Awolowo.
Citing Awolowo’s vision for societal remembrance, he noted that the late leader prioritized social justice, a robust and unified multi-ethnic state, and an irreversible educational revolution.
The SDP leader claimed that Nigeria should revert to Afenifere’s principles to fulfill Awolowo’s goals, asserting, “To honor his memory, we cannot oppose a solid multi-ethnic state or undermine education and social justice.”
“Thus, we are in a generation of governance that diverges from Awolowo’s principles, necessitating a return to Afenifere’s political tenets to realize Chief Awolowo's vision,” Adebayo concluded.
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