Abuja Prayer Session Addresses Political Conduct
A group of senior lawyers in Nigeria has urged political leaders to adhere to established legal frameworks and ensure a peaceful transfer of power ahead of the 2027 general elections. The call for adherence to democratic norms was made during a prayer session held in Abuja to mark the opening of a new law firm.
The Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) addressed newsmen at the weekend event, which celebrated the establishment of a legal practice by Johnson Usman, SAN. Using the occasion to comment on the political climate leading up to next year's polls, the legal experts emphasized the need for politicians to "play by the rules" and abandon what they described as "do-or-die politics." The group stressed that ensuring a peaceful transition of power is critical for the country's democratic stability.
Abdul Mohammed Calls for Issue-Based Campaigns
Abdul Mohammed, SAN, addressed the political class directly, calling for maturity in how elections are conducted. He urged candidates to organize and run campaigns based on issues rather than personal attacks or divisive rhetoric. Mohammed specified that this approach should be maintained before, during, and after the electoral process.
Emphasizing the importance of respecting democratic outcomes, Mohammed insisted that the choice made by the electorate must be respected by all stakeholders. He warned against "do-or-die" politics, a term often used to describe high-stakes political environments where defeat is viewed as catastrophic. To illustrate the potential for stability, he suggested that Nigeria should emulate Ghana's example of sustained democratic stability, noting that Ghana's record had been cited at the United Nations General Assembly.
Okutepa and Philemon Stress Legal Submission
Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, echoed the sentiments regarding legal compliance, stating that politicians must submit to the rule of law. He argued that citizens should be allowed to decide their leaders without interference. Okutepa explicitly opposed political imposition at any level, whether within political parties, at the state level, or at the national level.
Yakubu Philemon, SAN, who serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Abuja Branch, expanded on the responsibilities of election stakeholders. He urged all parties involved in the electoral process to play fairly. Philemon specifically charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct itself transparently. His objective was to create an environment where losing candidates would accept defeat without contest.
Philemon also addressed the nature of political campaigning, arguing that efforts should focus on proffering solutions to national problems rather than engaging in personal attacks. He suggested that shifting the focus to policy and solutions could help reduce post-election litigation, which often arises from disputes over electoral conduct and results.