The Association of Former Presidential Candidates of Nigeria (AFPCN) has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to urgently address the country’s security challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association raised concerns over reported cases of electoral violence and killings in Ekiti and Osun states, warning that failure to tackle insecurity could threaten the conduct of peaceful elections in 2027.
Chairman of the association, Dr Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth, who spoke on behalf of its Members, made this known on Tuesday, during a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja.
Breakforth said the outcome of recent party primaries and the Osun governorship election had raised concerns about the level of preparedness of political parties and institutions for the 2027 elections.
He urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and ensure that their supporters do not engage in violence.
“no single person, group or political party interest or ambition is worth the peace and unity of our country,” is he said.
The association also expressed concern over the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the 2027 general elections.
Breakforth cited comments by the INEC Chairman during a visit to the Federal Revenue Mobilisation Commission, where concerns were reportedly raised over inadequate funding.
He warned that delayed release of funds could create logistical challenges for the electoral commission ahead of the 2027 polls.
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Breakforth therefore called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure adequate funding for INEC to enable it to make timely preparations for the elections.
He also urged the National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on INEC, to audit the commission’s spending from 2023 to date and monitor its future expenditure.
Association Urge Security Agencies to Remain Neutral
The former presidential candidates appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and INEC to remain unbiased in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
They also called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
The association expressed particular concern over the reported killings during the recent elections, calling for the perpetrators to be identified and prosecuted.
Breakforth said INEC, in collaboration with the police, should use its advocacy and institutional powers to help unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.
AFPCN Backs Revenue Growth, Demands Benefits for Nigerians
The association also acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s reported growth in internally generated and non-oil revenues.
It said the government had diversified its revenue sources beyond crude oil and recorded more than N20 trillion in earnings, which it said represented significant growth compared with the previous administration.
The group, however, urged the government to ensure that increased revenue translates into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
It called for greater investment in agriculture and other sectors capable of directly improving the living conditions of citizens.
The association also advocated a fixed and affordable fuel price that would be within the reach of ordinary Nigerians and called for the return of fuel subsidy as part of measures to cushion the economic hardship.
‘Stop Elections Conducted in Chaotic Environment’
The Director-General of the Association, Dr Moses Ayibiowu, called for a clear roadmap to prevent further loss of lives during elections.
Ayibiowu said Nigerians should not continue to lose their lives in the process of conducting elections.
“We are tired of losing people because we want to conduct an election, so we are warning INEC to stop conducting election if it will be done in a chaotic environment,” he said.
He also called for measures to address the rising cost of food and fuel, stressing the need for policies that would make essential commodities affordable to ordinary Nigerians.
Ayibiowu urged the Federal Government to explore ways of subsidising food and fuel, arguing that poverty should not be exploited to influence voters during elections.
“Poverty should not be used as a bait to make poor Nigerians vote,” he stressed.
He further urged the government to explore opportunities outside the country to secure food supplies and address food insecurity.
About AFPCN
The AFPCN said it was neither a pro-government nor an anti-government platform, but a body comprising former presidential candidates who contested elections on different political platforms.
The Association brings together former presidential candidates to promote stronger democratic institutions, peaceful elections, good governance, national unity and responsible political participation in Nigeria.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.