Human rights activist Peter Akah has said no president who claims to be popular should fear a free and fair election, insisting that Nigerians are demanding credibility, not a “coronation,” ahead of the 2027 general elections.…WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Speaking in a video aired by News Central TV, Akah said the protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission was aimed at sending a clear message that Nigerians want an impartial and transparent electoral process in 2027.
According to him, democracy can only thrive where there is a strong and active opposition. He argued that attempts to weaken or sideline opposition voices would only damage the country’s democratic system and reduce public confidence in the electoral process.
Akah also reminded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his years in opposition, noting that political competition was allowed to flourish under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He recalled that the then opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, was able to contest freely and eventually defeated the ruling party in the 2015 election, leading to a widely praised peaceful transfer of power.
He maintained that any leader who believes he has performed well in office should have no reason to fear an honest contest at the polls. Akah stressed that Nigerians are not asking for a predetermined outcome, but for an election in which every political party and candidate is given a fair chance.
The activist further alleged that many citizens believe INEC is working too closely with the ruling All Progressives Congress. He warned that Nigerians would resist any move to suppress opposition parties or manipulate the 2027 election, saying voters are prepared to defend the democratic process.