…As APC Chair Warns Against Voter Intimidation

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, on Tuesday declared that whoever emerges victorious in the 2027 general elections must be allowed to govern, insisting that democracy can only thrive when the will of the people is respected.

Yari spoke in Abuja while chairing the 2025 Blueprint Newspaper Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards Ceremony, themed: “Security Challenges and the Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”

He said the outcome of the recent Osun State governorship election had demonstrated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to credible elections and democratic principles.

“What recently happened in Osun State may not have pleased everyone politically, but it serves as a clear indication of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to democratic principles and credible elections,” Yari said.

“The lesson from recent elections is clear: democracy thrives when the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders.

“Whoever wins an election through a credible process should be allowed to govern in accordance with the mandate of the people.”

The former governor stressed that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, noting that tackling it requires collective action rather than leaving the burden on the government and security agencies alone.

“The challenge of insecurity is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is not a problem for President Tinubu alone, nor is it solely the responsibility of the military, the police, the DSS, or other security agencies. It is a national challenge that requires the collective commitment of all Nigerians,” he stated.

Yari assured that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process in 2027, while urging Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.

Also speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, warned that democracy cannot flourish where voters are intimidated or prevented from exercising their constitutional rights.

Yilwatda, who was honoured as Blueprint Newspaper’s Person of the Year, said security and electoral integrity are inseparable pillars of democracy.

“A credible election requires more than ballot papers, polling officials and result sheets. It requires an atmosphere in which citizens choose without fear, candidates compete without intimidation, journalists report without harassment, and electoral officers perform their duties without coercion,” he said.

According to him, when insecurity prevents citizens from voting or violence determines access to polling units, democracy is weakened, and the sovereignty of the people is undermined.

“Security and electoral integrity are not separate rooms in the house of democracy. They are supporting pillars of the same structure. When insecurity prevents citizens from voting, democracy is diminished. When violence determines access to polling units, sovereignty is stolen from the people,” he stated.

The APC chairman called for early preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, urging authorities to focus on intelligence gathering, conflict mapping, effective policing, border security, electoral technology and the prosecution of electoral offenders.

He identified banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, communal conflicts, cyber threats, disinformation, vote-buying and the recruitment of youths for political violence as major threats that must be addressed before the polls.

Yilwatda further stressed that the responsibility of safeguarding electoral integrity should not be left to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone, saying security agencies, political parties, the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, traditional institutions and citizens all have critical roles to play.

“Political actors must understand that victory purchased through blood holds no democratic legitimacy. Security personnel must remember that their allegiance is to the Constitution, not to any candidate,” he said.

The APC chairman also challenged the media to resist misinformation and hold those in power accountable, insisting that journalism must go beyond reporting official statements to scrutinising actions and policies.

While acknowledging the security concerns surrounding future elections, Yilwatda maintained that democracy must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to citizens through improved infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities and stronger institutions.

Both leaders commended Blueprint Newspapers for creating a platform for national dialogue on issues affecting democracy and governance, expressing optimism that with collective commitment, Nigeria can conduct credible elections and strengthen its democratic institutions ahead of 2027.

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