Nigerians must approach the 2027 elections with discernment by rejecting vote buying and electoral malpractice, while carefully examining the programmes, competence and character of candidates seeking public office.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has urged Catholic faithful and Nigerians generally to play active roles in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections, while rejecting vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.
Fayemi made the call while delivering a lecture at the September Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre in Ede, Osun State.
The lecture was delivered on the theme, “Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Active Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections.”
Fayemi said the lay faithful had a responsibility to bring their values into the public space and regard political participation as an important expression of responsible citizenship and service to the common good.
He said Christian faith should reinforce commitment to justice, integrity, accountability and respect for the dignity of every person.
According to him, Nigerians must approach the 2027 elections with discernment by rejecting vote buying and electoral malpractice, while carefully examining the programmes, competence and character of candidates seeking public office.
The former Minister of Mines and Solid minerals also urged citizens to defend democratic institutions and hold elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions in office.
Fayemi stressed the importance of political education, particularly among young Nigerians, saying citizens needed a proper understanding of the Constitution, electoral laws, public policy and the responsibilities associated with citizenship.
“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, citizens must participate with discernment, resist vote buying and electoral malpractice, interrogate the programmes and character of those seeking public office, defend democratic institutions and hold elected leaders accountable,” he said.
The former governor maintained that politics remained a noble vocation when approached as an avenue for service rather than personal enrichment.
He argued that Nigeria’s democracy would be strengthened when people of conscience and competence were willing to enter public life, serve with integrity and place the common good at the centre of political governance.
Fayemi said active and informed participation by citizens, particularly faith-based communities and young people, was essential to building a stronger democratic culture ahead of the 2027 elections.
Read my full lecture here: bitly.cx/iCfS3
