A Call for Electoral Integrity and National Unity
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, recently issued a strong warning regarding the international community’s watch on Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 general elections. His remarks came during the 2026 memorial lecture organized by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation in Ikenne, Ogun State, to commemorate the 117th anniversary of the late nationalist leader’s birth.
Anyaoku emphasized the importance of ensuring that the electoral process is both credible and transparent. He specifically highlighted concerns about the controversies surrounding the electronic transmission of results from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portals (IREV). The former statesman urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take necessary steps to address these issues.
‘On the 2027 national elections, I want to say to the Government, and in particular to INEC especially after the controversy over electronic transmission of votes from the polling units to INEC Results Viewing Portals (IREV), that the international community will be closely watching the political party campaigns, the processes and the actual conduct of the elections,’ he stated.
He added that the global community would assess the fairness and credibility of the election outcomes, particularly those countries with diplomatic representation in Nigeria. This call for transparency reflects a broader concern about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Addressing National Insecurity
In addition to his comments on the elections, Anyaoku expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity across several Nigerian states. He pointed to persistent kidnappings, killings, and abductions as major challenges that have displaced many people from their ancestral lands and farms.
The elder statesman acknowledged the government’s right to seek assistance from friendly nations to tackle this crisis. However, he also cautioned that such collaborations must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
‘The only caveat should continue to be that in seeking to effectuate the elimination of the bandits and the jihadists, the collaborative arrangements should remain mindful of the need to respect the sovereignty of Nigeria,’ he said.
This statement underscores the delicate balance between seeking external support and maintaining national independence.
Honoring the Legacy of Obafemi Awolowo
Reflecting on the legacy of Obafemi Awolowo, Anyaoku described him as one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria whose leadership left an enduring impact on the nation’s political history. He noted that Awolowo’s roles as Premier of the Western Region, Leader of Opposition in Nigeria’s independence parliament, and later as Vice Chairman and Commissioner of Finance during the country’s early military era demonstrated exceptional leadership.
‘It is right to recall that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was one of the three founding fathers of modern Nigeria,’ he said.
Anyaoku also highlighted the values embodied by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, which includes personal discipline, cerebral leadership, integrity, competence, pro-people policies, and genuine patriotism. These attributes were recognized through a leadership award established in Awolowo’s name.
Revisiting Awolowo’s Principles
Another speaker at the event, Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), criticized the current government’s policies as being anti-Awolowo beliefs. He quoted Awolowo on how he wanted to be remembered, emphasizing the importance of social justice, a strong and united multi-ethnic state, and irreversible revolution in education.
Adebayo insisted that Nigeria must return to the Afenifere politics to achieve the aims set by Awolowo. He argued that the current governance system has deviated from Awolowo’s principles.
‘So, the conclusion is that if you want to remember you cannot go against a strong multi-ethnic state in Nigeria. You cannot be against education. You cannot be against social justice. So it’s time for all of us to remember that in governance we are in an anti-Awolowo generation now because the way in which we have run our system is against the principle set by Awolowo. Therefore we must bring Afenifere back. We must return to Afenifere politics so that we can achieve the aim of Chief Awolowo.’
Conclusion
The discussions at the memorial lecture underscored the importance of upholding democratic values, addressing national security challenges, and honoring the legacy of leaders like Obafemi Awolowo. As Nigeria prepares for its next general elections, the lessons from the past remain crucial in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.
