Onaiyekan Says Ndigbo Should Be Free to Choose Their President
Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has called for Nigerians to have genuine freedom to choose their leaders as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
His comments came during the 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference, where he delivered a keynote address on the theme of the ballot, the media and the task of keeping democracy alive.
The discussion has renewed attention on the political choices available to different groups, including the Ndigbo, as political parties and aspirants begin preparing for the next presidential election.
Onaiyekan Defends Voters’ Freedom
He argued that political leaders should not determine how citizens vote.
The Catholic cleric also questioned claims by politicians or governors that they would deliver entire states to particular presidential candidates.
According to him, such claims raise questions about the freedom of individual voters to make their own decisions at the ballot box.
“Where is the freedom of the people of the state to vote according to their individual consciences?” he asked in his keynote address.
His remarks were made in the wider context of Nigeria’s electoral system rather than as an endorsement of a particular presidential candidate.
Ndigbo and the 2027 Presidential Election
The question of who should represent different regions and ethnic groups in the 2027 presidential election has become an important part of Nigeria’s political conversation.
Onaiyekan’s broader position is that voters should have the opportunity to freely choose leaders without intimidation, political pressure or manipulation.
This means that individual voters, including members of the Igbo community, would make their choices based on candidates, parties, policies and other factors they consider important.
Call for Electoral Reforms
Onaiyekan also called for changes to Nigeria’s electoral system.
He questioned whether the Independent National Electoral Commission can be fully independent when its leadership appointment process involves political office holders.
Under Nigeria’s current constitutional system, a presidential candidate does not simply need more than 50 percent of all votes cast. The Constitution also includes geographical requirements across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Therefore, implementing Onaiyekan’s proposal would require changes to the existing constitutional framework.
Elections Should Be Decided at the Polls
Another major concern raised by Onaiyekan was the growing role of courts in resolving election disputes.
He said elections should primarily be decided by voters at polling stations, while courts should handle disputes that arise from the electoral process.
Media Has Role in Democracy
Onaiyekan also urged journalists to protect the quality of information available to voters.
He said the media should help citizens distinguish facts from misinformation and political propaganda.
He further warned that artificial intelligence could create new challenges for journalism if used irresponsibly.
According to him, professional journalism remains important because voters need reliable information before making electoral choices.
2027 Election Ahead
Onaiyekan’s latest comments place the emphasis on the right of citizens to choose their leaders freely.
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