The university professor calls for credible elections, accountable leadership, national unity, and greater participation of women and youths in Nigeria’s democratic process.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has urged citizens to take their democratic responsibilities seriously by voting wisely, rejecting electoral malpractice, promoting national unity, and demanding accountability from political leaders.
In an article titled “The 2027 Elections and Responsibilities of Citizens in Nigeria,” the professor emphasised that the future of the country depends not only on the decisions of politicians but also on the active participation of eligible voters and the collective commitment of Nigerians to democratic values.
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According to her, the forthcoming elections represent a critical opportunity to shape Nigeria’s leadership, security, economy, national unity, and overall development.
Voting Is a Civic Responsibility
Adesanya-Davies stressed that every eligible Nigerian should participate in the electoral process by registering to vote, obtaining the necessary voter credentials, and turning out on election day.
She urged voters to evaluate candidates based on competence, character, integrity, and leadership capacity rather than ethnic or religious affiliations, party sentiments, or financial inducements.
She also called on Nigerians to examine candidates’ records, experience, manifestoes, and ability to address pressing national challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare, and economic instability.
According to the professor, public office should be treated as a public trust rather than a personal inheritance.
Reject Electoral Corruption and Violence
The university professor called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying, vote-selling, ballot-box snatching, intimidation, political thuggery, misinformation, and the falsification of election results.
She maintained that political ambition should never take precedence over peace, human lives, and democratic integrity.
Adesanya-Davies also emphasised the importance of credible electoral institutions, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparent elections while security agencies maintain neutrality and professionalism.
She encouraged citizens, civil society organisations, religious institutions, traditional rulers, and the media to contribute to peaceful electoral participation and the protection of democratic values.
Promote National Unity and Fair Representation
The professor noted that Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
She called for an electoral process that promotes fairness, inclusion, justice, and equitable representation, stressing that no community should be marginalised or denied its rightful place in national governance.
She further urged Nigerians to place national interest above political, ethnic, and religious differences in choosing their leaders.
Women and Youths Must Participate in Leadership
Adesanya-Davies called for greater participation of women and young people in political leadership, decision-making, and governance.
She argued that women and youths should not be limited to serving as campaign supporters or political mobilisers but should have meaningful opportunities to contest elections and occupy leadership positions.
According to her, Nigeria cannot fully realise its democratic potential if significant sections of the population remain excluded from decision-making.
She therefore urged political parties and other stakeholders to support stronger women’s political representation and meaningful youth inclusion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responsible Use of Social Media Ahead of 2027
The professor also highlighted the growing influence of social media in political mobilisation, public education, and democratic engagement.
However, she warned that digital platforms are increasingly being used to spread misinformation, fabricated stories, character assassination, cyberbullying, and content designed to manipulate public opinion.
She advised Nigerians to verify information before sharing political reports and to avoid hate speech, personal attacks, threats, and content capable of inciting violence.
Adesanya-Davies stressed that freedom of expression must be accompanied by respect for truth, human dignity, and the rights of others.
She maintained that social media should strengthen democracy and national unity rather than undermine public trust or deepen divisions.
Political Leaders Must Demonstrate Accountability
Beyond the responsibilities of voters, the professor urged political leaders and parties to demonstrate maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to democratic principles.
She called on political parties to provide credible candidates, ensure transparent internal processes, and conduct issue-based campaigns that address the actual needs of Nigerians.
Candidates, she said, should present realistic manifestoes rather than make unrealistic promises merely to secure electoral support.
She further urged political leaders to respect the electorate before, during, and after the elections, accept legitimate electoral outcomes, and pursue grievances through lawful judicial processes.
According to her, winning an election does not give a leader unlimited authority, while losing an election does not justify attacks on democratic institutions.
2027 Elections Should Focus on Development
Adesanya-Davies maintained that Nigeria’s challenges require practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
She urged voters to demand clear commitments from candidates on economic instability, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and poverty.
She also called for a democratic culture in which public officials are assessed based on their achievements, transparency, responsible management of public resources, and willingness to answer questions about their performance.
The professor stressed that citizens’ responsibilities do not end after casting their ballots. Rather, democratic participation should continue through public scrutiny, constructive engagement, peaceful advocacy, and lawful demands for good governance.
Nigerians Urged to Put National Interest First
In her concluding remarks, Adesanya-Davies described the 2027 general elections as another opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen democracy and redirect the country towards sustainable development.
She urged eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, vote wisely, reject corruption, and defend national unity.
She also encouraged Nigerians to choose competence over sentiment, integrity over inducement, justice over discrimination, and patriotism over political hatred.
The professor expressed hope that Nigerians would elect leaders committed to unity, development, and public service rather than personal interests.
“The future of Nigeria is in our hands,” she emphasised, urging citizens to exercise their democratic responsibilities wisely.
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is a member of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
