Mr Adesunbo Onitiri, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed optimism that the 2027 general election will be peaceful, credible and hitch-free across the country.
Onitiri gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said that stakeholders had a responsibility to work together to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“We are optimistic that the 2027 general election will be peaceful and hitch-free.
“All political stakeholders must, however, play their part by encouraging their supporters to respect the law and the democratic process,” he said.
He urged political parties and their supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, hate speech, intimidation and acts capable of threatening the peace before, during and after the election.
“Election is not war. We are all Nigerians and whatever political differences we have should not be allowed to destroy our relationships, communities and national unity,” Onitiri said.
The APC chieftain also called on eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.
He added that citizens should determine their preferred leaders through the ballot.
“I encourage every eligible Nigerian to register, collect their PVCs and come out to vote.
“People should vote according to their conscience and support candidates of their choice without fear or intimidation”.
Onitiri urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that adequate measures were put in place to protect voters and electoral personnel during the exercise.
“INEC and the security agencies have important roles to play in guaranteeing a secure environment for the election.
“We expect all institutions involved to remain neutral, professional and committed to protecting the integrity of the process”.
He also appealed to political leaders to accept the outcome of a free and fair election and seek redress through lawful channels where necessary.
“Where there are grievances, the appropriate thing is to approach the relevant authorities and courts.
“Nobody should resort to violence because of an election result,” Onitiri said.
He expressed confidence that the 2027 election would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic development, urging citizens to shun vote buying and other electoral malpractices.
“We must reject vote buying, electoral violence and manipulation.
“The future of Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must protect our democracy by ensuring that elections are conducted peacefully and transparently”.
