A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against what he described as any attempt to impose a single candidate on Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he emphasised the importance of preserving democratic values and ensuring that citizens retain the freedom to choose their leaders.
The former governor noted that he joined leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political stakeholders at a world press conference to express concern over what he termed “unacceptable partisanship” by the electoral body.
“In 2027, Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders from a diverse range of political parties,” Kwankwaso stated.
He stressed that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy, must uphold principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency in its electoral process.
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According to him, the role of INEC is to act as an impartial umpire, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, rather than influencing outcomes.
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid rising political tension and growing debate over the conduct of the electoral commission, particularly in relation to internal party disputes and leadership recognition.
He urged the commission to remain neutral and allow democratic processes to take their full course, warning that any perceived bias could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
Political analysts say such statements reflect broader concerns among opposition figures about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process as the 2027 elections draw closer.