Kingibe asks INEC to ensure voters’ choice is reflected in 2027 elections

Senator Ireti Kingibe has called on Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the choice of voters is reflected in the 2027 general elections. Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. She said independence would have limited meaning if citizens could not freely choose their leaders through credible elections.

The senator urged INEC to remain independent in both its actions and its institutional role. She asked the commission to conduct the elections in a manner that would reflect the will of Nigerians. Kingibe also appealed to security agencies, political leaders, voters and young Nigerians to perform their respective constitutional responsibilities during the electoral process.

She said the international community would be watching the country’s conduct of the elections. She described independence as representing freedom, sacrifice and the resilience of the country’s founding fathers. In her view, those sacrifices should be honoured by protecting democratic values and the right of citizens to determine who governs them.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to reflect on the state of the nation’s democracy. She said the meaning of independence should include the ability of citizens to make political choices without their will being displaced. Kingibe reaffirmed her commitment to legislation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.

She also said she would continue to represent the interests of her constituents in the Senate and serve as a voice for people without representation.