2027: Group warns politicians against turning elections into do-or-die affairs

Convener of the We Win Support Group, Abraham Agbo, has urged Nigerians to shun electoral violence, reject vote-buying and support credible candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Agbo urged politicians and their supporters not to allow elections to destroy relationships among family members, friends and members of the same community, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence before, during and after elections.

He said: “Elections are not do-or-die affairs. We have been existing before elections, and we will still return to our homes after elections. You are fighting your brothers and sisters today, but remember life after the elections.”

Agbo spoke at an advocacy programme organised by his group in Abuja to raise awareness of social, economic and civic issues ahead of the 2027 general elections, as well as mobilise citizens to participate in the electoral process.

Agbo, a former Special Adviser on Employment to the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Hajiya Ireti Kingibe, explained that the We Win Support Group was established to unite people committed to national development and good governance.

He said: “The We Win Support Group is an initiative conceived to bring together people who share a common vision for the growth and development of our country. It is also aimed at educating citizens about the electoral process and encouraging informed and active participation.

“That is one of the reasons we have gathered here today. We want to sensitise our members and educate them on how to participate actively in the electoral process.”

According to the convener, unity and collective action are essential to achieving progress and making the political system more responsive to citizens.

“We Win represents togetherness and unity. When people come together with a progressive mindset, they achieve more because no man can do it alone. So, we must work together,” he said.

He maintained that the group’s primary objective was to promote credible elections and ensure that citizens understood their rights and responsibilities.

He said: “Our major demand is to ensure that the forthcoming elections are free and fair, and that people understand their rights and responsibilities.”

On the group’s membership, Agbo said it had no fewer than 15,000 members in Abuja South alone and continued to expand its reach. He added that more than 1,500 people attended the advocacy programme.

He said the group would eventually support specific candidates or a political party after assessing the candidates’ credibility and strengths.

“Sure, there will be a candidate we shall eventually support, after due consideration of candidates’ credibility and strength,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, a pioneer member of the group, Ambassador Hygenus Ogwu, described the gathering as a new beginning in mobilising Nigerians in the quest for good governance.

He said: “Today marks a new day, a day of a new beginning, as we seek to galvanise political participation by mobilising Nigerians for good governance.”

Ogwu described the organisation as a non-partisan advocacy group committed to promoting responsible leadership and accountability.

He said: “We are a non-political organisation focused on advocacy and good governance. We want people to come together with one voice and support credible candidates with the capacity to provide effective leadership at all levels of government.”

He explained that the group was interested in leaders who demonstrated integrity, accountability and a willingness to address the concerns of ordinary citizens.

“We are looking for leadership built on stewardship, good governance and accountability to the people. We want trusted leaders who can be relied upon and who have demonstrated integrity,” he said.

Ogwu specifically called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying and the sale of votes during elections.

“I call on the electorate to outrightly reject the buying and selling of votes at the elections because it is our collective responsibility as Nigerians to work towards a better country and a brighter future for ourselves and our children,” he said.

Another board member, Kenji Morgak, explained that the advocacy programme was designed to promote unity and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

“This gathering is about awareness and participation. As we enter the political season, our message through the We Win Support Group is unity among the people,” he said.

Morgak said the organisation wanted citizens to play more active roles in determining the direction of governance rather than remain passive during elections.

“Our major target is to ensure that everybody participates. We want our members to be involved in the decisions we make concerning the elections and in discussions about the policies of candidates we may eventually support,” he said.

He explained that the group would assess candidates based on their manifestos and policy proposals before deciding whom to support.

“We are testing our advocacy efforts and building our grassroots presence. When candidates present their manifestos and policies, we will listen to them and make our decisions based on what they offer,” he said.

Morgak added that the organisation hoped its growing membership would encourage candidates to engage with citizens and consider their concerns when formulating policies.

In her remarks, Mrs Joyce Stephen, speaking on behalf of the group’s women mobilisers, said the organisation had been reaching out to women at the grassroots to raise awareness of civic participation, decision-making and voters’ rights.

“We have been able to mobilise many women and reach out to people at the grassroots to create awareness about participation in decision-making and understanding their rights,” she said.

Stephen urged women to protect their voter information, avoid selling their votes and exercise their electoral rights responsibly.

“We advise women not to disclose their voters’ card details carelessly or sell their votes. They should understand their rights and participate actively in the electoral process,” she said.

The group reiterated its commitment to promoting peaceful elections, voter education, credible leadership and good governance as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.