“Free, Fair, And Credible Elections We Want In 2027” — CAIDOV Boss
The Executive Director of the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), Comrade Gbenga Soloki, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible.
Comrade Soloki made the call on Saturday in Lagos while addressing journalists on the state of the nation and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy can only be sustained and strengthened if the will of the people is allowed to prevail through transparent, inclusive and credible electoral process.
“We want free, fair and credible elections in 2027. Nigerians are tired of electoral manipulations, vote buying, voter intimidation, and brazen rigging that undermine the true choice of the people. INEC must rise to the occasion and redeem its image,” Soloki said.
The CAIDOV boss noted that the 2027 elections must be a marked departure from the flaws that marred previous elections, stressing that the electoral umpire must demonstrate absolute independence, impartiality and professionalism.
He urged INEC to ensure early deployment of electoral materials, effective functioning of the BVAS and IReV technology, timely transmission of results and adequate training of ad-hoc staff to avoid the hitches that have often characterized Nigerian elections.
Soloki also called on security agencies to remain neutral and provide adequate security for voters, election officials and materials before, during and after the polls, warning that security operatives must not be used as tools to harass or intimidate opposition parties and voters.
He further appealed to political parties and their candidates to play by the rules, shun violence, hate speech and vote buying, and focus on issue-based campaigns that will address the pressing challenges facing Nigerians.
“Nigerians deserve leaders who emerge through credible processes. We must discourage vote buying because it mortgages the future of our nation. Electorates must also resist inducement and vote their conscience,” he added.
Comrade Soloki assured that CAIDOV, as a human rights and pro-democracy organization, will be fully involved in voter education, election observation and advocacy for electoral justice across the country ahead of 2027.
He concluded by calling on Nigerian youths, women and all eligible voters to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ready and participate actively in the 2027 electoral process, stating that democracy thrives when citizens participate.
