Onaiyekan Accuses Tinubu’s Government of Pursuing 2027 Victory ‘By All Means’

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Archbishop of Abuja, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to secure victory in the 2027 general elections “by all means,” while warning that the voices of ordinary Nigerians may not count if elections are not conducted freely and fairly.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Friday, Onaiyekan reflected on the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where the bishops presented what he described as the true state of the nation.

According to the cardinal, the bishops informed the President that Nigeria was facing serious economic hardship and that many citizens were suffering despite government assurances that conditions were improving.

He noted that President Tinubu and members of his delegation appeared uncomfortable with the bishops’ presentation because it differed from the reports they usually receive.

“We knew that this is different from the kind of statements that our president keeps receiving from all kinds of people. There are so many people hanging around Mr. President giving a rosy picture of what the country is, which it is not,” Onaiyekan said.

The former Archbishop explained that the bishops considered it their responsibility to present the realities confronting Nigerians, even if the message was unpleasant.

He disclosed that President Tinubu rejected the bishops’ assessment, insisting that the country was not bleeding and that the economy was on the path to recovery.

“Practically speaking, he told us quite clearly that he did not agree with us,” he stated.

On the atmosphere of the meeting, Onaiyekan said it was unrealistic to expect a cordial exchange when discussing the country’s challenges.

“When the nation is bleeding, you cannot expect a polite meeting with the president,” he remarked.

Expressing concern ahead of the 2027 elections, the cardinal alleged that the current administration appeared determined to retain power by every possible means.

“We are worried about the fact that we see clearly that our government is bent on winning by all means. Unfortunately, they have a lot of means at their disposal to win. Even if we had a free and fair election, the votes of the people may not count,” he said.

Onaiyekan warned that the credibility of future elections remains critical to Nigeria’s democratic stability, stressing that any process perceived as lacking transparency and fairness could create further challenges for the country.