Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has said people of the South-East should be allowed to freely decide who they want to support in the 2027 presidential election without political pressure or direction from state governors.
Onaiyekan made the remark in Enugu during an interview with Afia TV on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while responding to questions about recent comments by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo concerning how Ndigbo should approach the 2027 presidential election.
Soludo has advocated what he describes as strategic political engagement by the South-East and has urged voters in the region to avoid what he considers wasting their votes. He has also publicly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term.
Asked to respond to the governor’s position, Onaiyekan said he was not certain about the details of Soludo’s message to Ndigbo but maintained that voters should be free to make their own decisions.
«“I don’t know what Soludo has told the Ndigbo. All I can say is that Ndigbo should be allowed to freely choose who should be their president.”»
The Cardinal further argued that governors, despite being elected representatives, should not dictate how citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote.
«“It is not the duty of governors to teach, to tell people how they should vote.”»
For Onaiyekan, political office holders have their own individual votes and should allow other citizens to make their own choices.
«“The governors will have their own votes now. Every governor will be able to vote. He will vote for himself. Let others do.”»
He described elections as an important opportunity for citizens to express their political preferences and urged Nigerians to exercise that right freely.
«“At least, that’s the only opportunity that we have to express our mind. Let us do it.”»
Onaiyekan Calls for Electoral Reforms
Beyond the question of political influence, Onaiyekan also used the occasion to advocate reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among his proposals is a requirement that a presidential candidate secure at least 50 per cent of votes cast before being declared winner. He also called for a more independent process for appointing the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The Cardinal further advocated mechanisms that would ensure major election petitions are concluded before successful candidates are sworn into office. He argued that electoral disputes should be resolved promptly rather than allowing prolonged litigation after elected officials have assumed office.
His remarks add another voice to the continuing national conversation about electoral credibility, voter freedom and the role of political leaders in shaping electoral choices ahead of 2027.
Ultimately, the message from Onaiyekan is centred on a simple democratic principle: political leaders may express their preferences, but voters must retain the freedom to make their own choices at the ballot box.
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