Bishop Matthew Kukah has called on Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, describing the act of voting as a necessity for the country’s survival. The cleric argued that although institutional failures are common, the ultimate responsibility for the country’s political direction rests with the voters.
Speaking on the importance of civic duty, Kukah observed that Nigerians often direct their grievances toward the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government, or security agencies when electoral processes falter. However, he maintained that these agencies operate within the frameworks established by the leaders chosen by the people.
The cleric’s warning, shared during a discussion on Channels Television, points to the need for a shift in how citizens approach the polling booth. By urging Nigerians to “vote to stay alive,” Kukah linked the quality of leadership directly to the physical and economic well-being of the population.
Addressing the cycle of electoral blame
The cleric’s comments arrive at a time when discussions regarding the 2027 electoral cycle are already gaining momentum. In previous election cycles, including the 2023 general elections, the Nigerian electorate expressed significant frustration with technological hurdles, such as the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and logistical delays managed by INEC.
While these institutional shortcomings are frequently cited as reasons for poor election outcomes, Kukah suggests that the habit of blaming external entities often serves as an excuse for voter passivity. He argued that if voters do not engage in the process, they cannot effectively hold the government or security agencies accountable for the consequences of their inaction.
This debate reflects a growing tension in Nigerian democracy: the balance between the effectiveness of electoral institutions and the agency of the electorate. While INEC continues to face pressure to improve transparency and technical reliability, the burden of selecting competent leaders remains a primary responsibility of the individual citizen.
As the country prepares for the next electoral cycle, the focus remains on whether the government and INEC can implement sufficient reforms to rebuild public trust. The effectiveness of these reforms, alongside the willingness of Nigerians to move beyond political apathy, will determine the stability of the country heading into 2027.
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