2027 Elections: Leaders, Citizens Must Embrace New Political Culture Built On Values – Akinyemi
By Ifeoma Ikem
Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi has said that for Nigeria to get it right in the 2027 general elections, both leaders and citizens must embrace a new political culture built on values, responsibility, and accountability.
Akinyemi stated this in an interview with our correspondent on Monday in Lagos while reacting to the just-concluded 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
He noted that democracy only flourishes when votes are cast according to conscience, not according to the highest bidder.
Akinyemi, an Apostle and nation builder known for speaking the truth without compromise, said the Ekiti State governorship election should serve as an opportunity for sober reflection, especially on the current situation across the nation.
“Good governance must take precedence over personal politics because the lives of individuals are at stake.
“The outcome of the just-concluded Ekiti State governorship election should not be the basis for sweeping conclusions about Nigeria’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
“Every election offers lessons for political parties, electoral institutions, candidates, and, most importantly, the electorate.
“The real question is not whether Nigerians are ready for 2027, but whether Nigerians are ready to place long-term national interest above short-term personal gain.”
He reiterated that vote-buying, whether for ₦2,000 or ₦5,000, has never solved the nation’s problems.
“Instead, it weakens democracy by rewarding poor leadership and encouraging politicians to view public office as an investment to be recovered rather than as a platform for service.
“I was an approved INEC observer in the last governorship election that elected Oyebanji into his first tenure in office. It was then the most brazen embarrassment of vote-buying, which the EFCC can attest to as a result of the many persons arrested by its operatives.
“Allegedly, votes were sold then for between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000. If this year the value plunged to between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000, and EFCC officials were chased out of some towns while performing their duties, that should give you an idea of the level of poverty affecting the social lives of voters in the state.”
Akinyemi noted that when citizens exchange their votes for cash or food, they often end up paying a far greater price through poor governance, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, inadequate healthcare, and declining educational standards.
“The true cost of vote-selling is measured not in naira but in years of underdevelopment. No amount of money, rice, or other palliatives can be more valuable than the lives of citizens.
“The primary responsibility of any government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
“While social intervention programmes may provide temporary relief to vulnerable people, they can never substitute for effective security, justice, and good governance.”
He noted that a nation where citizens live in fear cannot be said to be prosperous, regardless of the volume of palliatives distributed.
“Economic support is important, but it must go hand in hand with policies that guarantee safety, uphold the rule of law, create opportunities, and preserve the dignity of every citizen.
“Ultimately, preserving human life must remain the highest priority of the government.
“Food can sustain life for a day, but security, justice, and responsible leadership sustain a nation for generations.”
He advised Nigerians to treat their votes as their voice and their future.
“Do not mortgage four years of your children’s future for a few thousand naira that will be exhausted within days.
“Demand competence, integrity, accountability, and a clear vision from every candidate, regardless of political party.
“Politicians should win elections through ideas, character, performance, and credible engagement with the people, not through inducement or manipulation.”
