A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State and former Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has faulted the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) over its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to seek re-election in 2027, insisting that only the Nigerian electorate has the constitutional authority to determine the President’s political future.

Oladele, who reacted to the forum’s position in a statement issued on Wednesday, described the call as unnecessary, undemocratic and inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).

He argued that while individuals and organisations are entitled to express opinions on government policies and hold public officials accountable, no religious, sectional or pressure group has the power to decide who should or should not contest an election.

According to him, the Constitution guarantees every qualified Nigerian the right to seek elective office, stressing that President Tinubu enjoys the same constitutional right as any other eligible citizen.

“The Constitution guarantees every qualified Nigerian the right to contest elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is entitled to exercise that right like every other eligible citizen. Whether he deserves another term is a decision that belongs exclusively to the Nigerian people and can only be determined through the ballot box,” Oladele stated.

He maintained that democracy thrives on political competition, the participation of eligible candidates and the sovereign will of the electorate, rather than attempts by interest groups to discourage constitutionally qualified individuals from seeking public office.

The APC chieftain said President Tinubu inherited significant economic and security challenges and opted to address them through bold reforms instead of postponing difficult decisions for political expediency.

Oladele acknowledged that some of the administration’s economic measures had imposed temporary hardships on Nigerians but argued that the reforms were necessary to tackle long-standing structural problems, restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen public finances, improve investor confidence and place the economy on the path of sustainable growth.

He further contended that major reforms often require sacrifice before yielding tangible benefits, urging Nigerians to assess the administration based on the long-term impact of its policies rather than short-term political considerations.

On security, he said the Federal Government had continued to strengthen the country’s security architecture through increased funding of security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, acquisition of modern equipment and enhanced collaboration among relevant institutions.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Oladele said it would be unfair to overlook the efforts being made by the administration to improve safety and protect lives and property across the country.

“The proper place to determine the fate of any elected leader is the polling unit, not the pulpit or the boardroom. Those who believe they have better alternatives should present them to Nigerians and allow the electorate to make an informed choice. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.

He urged religious organisations, civil society groups and political stakeholders to focus on issue-based engagement and constructive national discourse rather than making pronouncements capable of undermining constitutional rights and democratic values.

Oladele expressed confidence that Nigerians would objectively assess President Tinubu’s performance alongside those of other candidates and freely decide who should lead the country in 2027.

“The ultimate sovereignty belongs to the Nigerian people. In 2027, they will speak through their votes, and that democratic verdict—not the opinion of any religious, sectional or pressure group—will determine who occupies the office of President,” he added.

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