• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, on Friday expressed concern over Nigeria's political climate and worsening security situation as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the 2026 edition of the annual Obafemi Awolowo Lecture held at the Ikenne residence of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Anyaoku urged the country to address pressing national challenges to preserve its democratic reputation. The lecture, organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, had Anyaoku as chairman. It was attended by several political leaders and dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako. Others present included Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Oyedele-Salako, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, elder statesman Chief Bode George, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe. In his remarks, Anyaoku said he would make "a very brief comment on only two of the major challenges currently facing our country," which he identified as the increasing political focus on the 2027 elections and the persistent insecurity affecting several parts of Nigeria. He observed that many political actors appear increasingly preoccupied with preparations for the next general elections, even as the country continues to confront serious security threats and humanitarian crises in a number of states. Anyaoku further cautioned that the international community would scrutinize the conduct of the 2027 elections, particularly in light of controversies surrounding the electronic transmission of results in previous polls. According to him, "the international community will be watching the party campaigns, the processes and the actual conduct of the elections." He further warned that the outcome of the polls would be carefully assessed globally for fairness and credibility. "The results of the elections will be assessed for their fairness and credibility by other countries, including in particular those with diplomatic representations in Nigeria," he said. The former Commonwealth chief also urged the nation's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure the electoral process is transparent and credible to maintain Nigeria's standing among democratic nations. Lamenting the country's worsening security situation, Anyaoku expressed deep concern over the continued cases of kidnapping, abductions, and killings in several states. He specifically mentioned Zamfara, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Benue, and Sokoto as some of the areas severely affected by violent attacks and criminal activities. Anyaoku lamented that despite more than a decade of efforts by authorities, the wave of insecurity has persisted, leaving thousands of citizens displaced from their homes, farms, and ancestral communities. He said the rising number of internally displaced persons and the inability to halt violent attacks highlight the urgency of adopting stronger measures to restore safety across the country. In this regard, the elder diplomat said the Federal Government was justified in seeking collaboration and assistance from friendly nations to tackle Nigeria's internal security challenges. He said, "I want to make a very brief comment on only two of the major challenges currently facing our country, namely the preoccupation with the 2027 national elections and the unrelenting insecurity with the continuing kidnapping, abductions, and killings in states like Zamfara, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Benue, and Sokoto. "On the 2027 national elections, I want to say to the government and, in particular, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially after the controversies over the electronic transmission of votes from polling units to INEC results' viewing portals. That the international community will be watching very closely, the party campaigns, the processes and the actual conduct of the elections, and that the results of the elections will be assessed for their fairness and credibility by other countries, including in particular those with diplomatic representations in Nigeria. "Regarding the raging insecurity in the seven states of the nation. I want to say that after a decade of inability to arrest the kidnappings, the abductions, the killings, and the growing population, people are forcefully displaced from their ancestral lands and farms, and the FG is right; indeed tight to seek collaboration and help from friendly countries in addressing the country's internal insecurity. "The only caveat should continue to be that in seeking to effectuate the elimination of the bandits and the jihadists, the collaborative arrangement should continue to be mindful of respect for the sovereignty of Nigeria." The lecture titled "Politics as future - making: Awolowo and Leadership as Theory of Action," was delivered by Prof. Wale Adebanwi. The Obafemi Awolowo Lecture is one of the flagship programmes of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation aimed at promoting dialogue on governance, democracy, and national development while preserving the legacy and ideals of the late nationalist leader. https://meet.google.com/call?authuser=2&hl=en&mc=KAIwAZoBFDoScGludG9fY2dhdzJqa2VybHUzogE7GgIQADICUAA6AhABSgQIARABWgIIAGoCCAFyAggBegIIAogBAJIBAhABmgEEGAEgAKIBAhAA4gECCACyAQcYAyAAKgEywgECIAHYAQE&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com&iilm=1772792249506 Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/anyaoku-warns-of-rising-political-tension-insecurity-ahead-of-2027-elections/