The Special Assistant to the Ooni of Ife on South-East and Diaspora Matters, Hon. Uzoma Ani, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible.
Ani made the call while commending Tinubu over what he described as the President’s support for a free and fair governorship election in Osun State.
He also praised Osun voters for turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights, saying the election demonstrated the importance of allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders.
According to Ani, the conduct of the Osun election provided an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its democratic institutions and should serve as a model for the 2027 elections.
He also commended the withdrawal of some security personnel from Osun State ahead of the election, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to voting.
Ani congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the result as a reflection of the decision of Osun voters.
He urged Tinubu to replicate what he described as the Osun approach across the country during the 2027 elections, with particular attention to the South-East.
Ani specifically called for voters in Ebonyi State and other South-Eastern states to be allowed to freely choose their leaders without intimidation or undue interference.
He further urged political leaders to recognise that electoral mandates ultimately belong to the people and that elected officials must remain responsive to their constituents.
Ani called on Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment and other areas affecting residents ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We therefore urge Governor Nwifuru to return to the people, work with them and for them. Abandon politics of exclusion. Deliver on roads, health, education and jobs. That is the only path to earning the trust and mandate of Ebonyians,” he said.
Ani said the Osun election should serve as a reminder to political leaders across Nigeria that voters have the power to determine who governs them.He also urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the democratic process as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
