New Headline: Bishop Kukah's Urgent Plea to INEC: Secure Clean 2027 Elections 'By God, By Whatever Means

 In a stirring address that resonated across Nigeria's political landscape, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has issued a direct and impassioned challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the 2027 general elections are conducted with unwavering credibility. Speaking as the chairperson at the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards 2025 in Abuja, Bishop Kukah emphasized that Nigeria's democratic future—and Africa's broader stability—hinges on getting the electoral process right, urging INEC to employ "whatever means" necessary to deliver clean polls.5957ac

The event, themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” brought together leaders, policymakers, and civil society figures to reflect on the continent's challenges amid global shifts. Kukah, known for his outspoken critiques of governance and electoral integrity, did not mince words. “By God, by whatever means, give us clean and credible elections,” he declared, highlighting the absurdity of ongoing debates over result transmission methods. He quipped, “The rest of Africa will not wait for us to decide whether we transmit election results by podcast, telecast, videocast or livestream. We must get it right.”7850b9

Kukah's remarks come at a critical juncture, as Nigeria grapples with lingering controversies from the 2023 elections, where delays in uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) fueled allegations of manipulation and eroded public trust.7fdee3 Recent developments have intensified the discourse: just days ago, the Senate rejected mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act amendment, sparking widespread anger from civil society groups and opposition figures.64d6e3 Organizations like the Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa have given the National Assembly a two-week ultimatum to reverse the decision, arguing that electronic transmission is essential for transparency.78c53b A Northern coalition has echoed this sentiment, calling electronic transmission "non-negotiable" for the 2027 polls, warning that without it, the integrity of the process remains at risk.821e56

Framing his call within a global context, Bishop Kukah warned that Africa's internal instabilities are being exploited by superpowers vying for the continent's critical minerals. “The boys in Washington are discussing critical minerals,” he noted, pointing out Africa's exclusion from key global decision-making tables. “We are not at the table,” he lamented, adding that without political stability anchored in credible elections, Nigeria risks undermining its leadership role in Africa. “A roadmap to make Africa great again cannot proceed without Nigeria. But the rest of Africa will not wait for Nigeria,” Kukah stressed, urging introspection amid the continent's ongoing conflicts.93b440

INEC Chairman Professor Joash O. Amupitan has previously vowed to deliver credible elections in 2027, reaffirming the commission's commitment to transparency and inclusivity.13ab80 However, critics argue that without legislative backing for advanced electoral technologies, such promises may fall short. As debates rage, Kukah's words serve as a rallying cry for reform, reminding stakeholders that Nigeria's democratic credibility is non-negotiable for sustainable development.

The conference also honored individuals for their contributions to resilience and innovation, underscoring the need for collective action in turbulent times. As 2027 approaches, Bishop Kukah's charge to INEC may well set the tone for the electoral discourse ahead.

Bishop Kukah's Speech at the Launch of the ACIN 2025 World Report on  Religious Freedom in the World . – The Kukah Centre