Onaiyekan seeks overhaul of electoral system

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, former Archbishop of Abuja, has urged a genuine overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system to ensure the election of leaders through transparent and credible polls.

He made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of two books, The Quintessential Leader and Canons of Leadership, authored by Dr Etta Peters.

The cardinal said Nigeria’s persistent challenges stem from defective electoral processes rather than any flaw in the character of its citizens.

He warned that a select group of political operatives often chooses candidates and manipulates vote counts, undermining the democratic will of the people.

“Nigerians are good people, but if we have bad leaders, things go wrong,” he said.

Tracing the nation’s electoral woes back to 1999, Onaiyekan explained that political elites convene behind closed doors to handpick candidates and manipulate election outcomes.

He urged citizens to remain steadfast in demanding a genuinely democratic system ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing that a government can earn a second term only if it respects the electorate’s will.

He criticised the candidacy fees of around N30 million imposed by some political parties, questioning how ordinary citizens could participate without resorting to corruption.

Onaiyekan called for electoral reforms to allow independent candidates, arguing that even if they may not win presidential elections immediately, they could make a difference at local government levels and reduce the grip of party elites.

The cardinal further decried political structures that function as “money banks” for a few rather than serving the public good, urging leaders to prioritise national welfare over personal enrichment.

The books’ author, Dr. Peters, emphasised that leadership is central to solving Nigeria’s problems.

He called for active citizenship, literacy, and engagement with the ballot box rather than the barrel of a gun, warning against coups and undemocratic governance.

Peters said with the right leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve prosperity.

The books were reviewed by Dr Bona Ugwuja and Prof. Camillus Oguakwa, who praised their principles and guidance, noting they could inspire a new generation of leaders capable of steering the nation forward.

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