2027: Group warns against vote manipulation - Punch Newspapers
FILE: Osun poll: INEC Begins Distribution Of Non-sensitive Materials In Osogbo. Credit: Saheed Olugbon
The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria has warned against any attempt to predetermine the outcome of the 2027 general elections, urging the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process. The group said the electoral framework for the elections must guarantee Nigerians the freedom to choose, reject, question and replace their leaders through credible and lawful democratic processes. Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the CSMN, Elder Sunday Oibe, said the electoral process must be capable of restoring public confidence and should not create suspicion among voters. He stated that that Nigerians must be allowed to freely exercise their franchise. “CSMN therefore calls on the National Assembly, INEC, the Judiciary and all stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 electoral framework inspires public confidence rather than suspicion. The 2027 election must be an election, not a coronation. “Nigerians must be free to choose, reject, question and replace their leaders through credible, transparent and lawful democratic processes,” he said. Oibe further urged the National Assembly, INEC, the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process did not create suspicion among voters. He also called on churches to end what he described as political fragmentation and develop a common strategy ahead of the elections. He called on Christian leaders, denominations, organisations and political actors to work towards what he described as a “Christian Political Consensus Project.” According to him, the Church could no longer remain politically indifferent to government decisions affecting security, religious freedom, education, the economy, justice and the future of Nigerian children. NDC not planning parallel result collation system – Chieftain I’ll take politicians’ money if they’re good – Esther Nwachukwu 2027: Anambra senator urges INEC to end reliance on ad hoc staff “CSMN calls upon the Nigerian Church to end political fragmentation and urgently develop a responsible strategy for the 2027 elections. “The Church cannot remain politically indifferent while decisions made by governments directly affect security, religious freedom, education, the economy, justice and the future of our children. “We therefore call upon Christian leaders, denominations, organisations and political actors to work together towards a Christian Political Consensus Project,” he said. The group, however, stressed that its proposed political engagement was not aimed at persecuting or excluding citizens of other faiths. Oibe urged Christians to participate peacefully and lawfully in the electoral process by registering to vote, obtaining their electoral documents and voting according to their conscience. “Our objective must not be the persecution or exclusion of other citizens. Our objective is equal citizenship, constitutional democracy, freedom of worship, justice and security for all,” he said. The CSMN also called on the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and other international partners to pay close attention to Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections. It urged international observers and development partners to support electoral integrity, transparency, human rights, religious freedom and the rule of law. “Nigeria is too important to West Africa and the wider world for the international community to look away if democratic institutions are weakened or citizens are prevented from freely choosing their leaders,” the group said. Solomon Odeniyi Solomon Odeniyi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over six years of professional experience. He has covered key national beats including the judiciary, military, and police, and currently reports on anti-corruption and related issues. Solomon’s work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
