Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has warned that voter turnout in the 2027 general elections could drop significantly if Nigerians believe the outcome is already predetermined in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM on Monday, the cleric said public perception of electoral credibility is as important as the voting process itself, stressing that a lack of trust could undermine both participation and legitimacy.
He cautioned that when citizens feel their votes will not count, they are less likely to participate, which in turn weakens democracy and governance.
Onaiyekan emphasized that credible, free, and fair elections are essential for good leadership, noting that flawed elections often produce poor governance and deepen public hardship.
The former Archbishop also expressed concern that Nigeria has yet to achieve truly transparent elections, linking this to persistent voter apathy and disillusionment among citizens.
He urged authorities to restore confidence in the electoral system ahead of 2027, calling for reforms that would encourage greater participation.
On the role of institutions, Onaiyekan said the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone is insufficient, pointing to the conduct of security agencies during elections as a major factor affecting credibility.
He also called for a review of the process for appointing INEC leadership, arguing that appointments by the ruling government raise concerns about neutrality.
According to him, strengthening electoral processes and institutions is critical to ensuring public trust and improving governance outcomes in Nigeria.
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