2027: Manipulate system at your peril, Catholic Bishop warns politicians

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Godfrey Onah, has warned politicians against manipulating the electoral system or attempting to suppress opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bishop Onah delivered the warning while speaking on the 2027 elections and evaluating the role of political incumbents in the democratic process.

He stated that as Nigerians prepare to select new leaders, the only legitimate advantage an incumbent possesses is the ability to showcase their record of achievements and convince the electorate of future performance.

"As Nigerians prepare to go through the process of selecting those who will lead us come 2027, the only advantage an incumbent has is that they can point to what they have done and try to convince us that they will do better," Bishop Onah said.

"It is now left to us to decide, not by manipulating the system or stopping the opposition. Manipulate the system at your peril."

The cleric emphasized that no sitting governor or president holds an automatic ticket, insisting that the final mandate belongs to the people and must not be determined by rigging or intimidation tactics.

He further called on Nigerians to defend the nation's democracy and resist any efforts by politicians to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the election.