Mr Babajide Obanikoro, a former member of the House of Representatives,who represented Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Obanikoro, who is the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Parastatals Monitoring Office, made the plea in an interview with newsmen on Monday, in Lagos.
He commended INEC for its performance in recent elections, including the Osun State governorship election.
The former lawmaker urged the commission to sustain professionalism and efficiency in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“INEC has done well in the conduct of elections in some states, including the Osun State governorship election, and we commend the commission for its efforts.
“We want the commission to continue to improve on its performance and ensure that the 2027 general elections are conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent and credible,” he said.
Obanikoro said that the credibility of the electoral process remained critical to strengthening democracy and promoting public confidence in the outcome of elections.
According to him, INEC must ensure that every eligible voter is given the opportunity to freely exercise his or her franchise and that all votes are properly counted and reflected in the final results.
“INEC must ensure that every vote counts because the confidence of the people in our democracy depends largely on the integrity of the electoral process.
“The commission should continue to deploy effective measures and technology that will guarantee transparency and ensure that the votes of Nigerians are protected,” he said.
The former lawmaker also urged Nigerian youths to play active and responsible roles in the 2027 general elections by critically assessing the programmes, policies and manifestos of candidates before making their choices.
He said young people, who constitute a significant percentage of the voting population, should avoid being influenced by sentiment, inducement or other factors that could undermine their future.
“Our youths should take time to listen to the manifestos of candidates and carefully assess what they have to offer the country.
“They should make informed decisions and vote for candidates who have demonstrated capacity, competence, integrity and commitment to the development of the nation,” Obanikoro said.
Obanikoro said that President Bola Tinubu had recorded achievements that would provide the basis for his re-election campaign.
He said the President deserved another term to consolidate his administration’s programmes and policies aimed at improving the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
“President Tinubu has recorded numerous achievements that he can confidently present to Nigerians as the basis for seeking a second term.
“He deserves the opportunity to continue and consolidate the reforms and programmes of his administration,” he said.
Obanikoro also acknowledged the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as a worthy candidate for any higher political responsibility, citing his experience and contributions to the development of Lagos State.
He said that Hamzat’s antecedents in public service and his commitment to good governance had demonstrated his capacity for leadership.
“Dr Hamzat is a worthy candidate to support based on his past antecedents, experience and contributions to governance in Lagos State.
“He has demonstrated competence and commitment to the development of the state, and his records in public service speak for him to be the next Governor of Lagos State,” Obanikoro said.