2027: Salifu Agbali Urges Nigerians to Critically Assess Candidates Before Voting

As preparations for the 2027 General Elections gather momentum, Nigerians have been urged to carefully evaluate political candidates based on their character, competence and track record rather than campaign promises, ethnic sentiments or financial inducements.

The call was made by social commentator and civic advocate, Comrade Salifu Agbali, who stressed that the ballot remains the most powerful tool through which citizens determine the quality of leadership and the direction of the nation.

According to him, every democracy thrives when voters make informed decisions rooted in integrity, accountability and proven capacity to serve the public interest.

Agbali advised Nigerians to look beyond campaign rhetoric and political propaganda, insisting that candidates seeking elective office should be assessed on their credibility, leadership experience, vision and commitment to national development.

He noted that elections should be won through public confidence earned by service and competence, rather than manipulation, deception or empty promises.

The civic advocate also emphasized the crucial role of civil society organisations, the media, religious and traditional institutions, as well as electoral bodies, in promoting voter education, transparency and accountability before, during and after elections.

According to him, sustained civic engagement is essential to strengthening democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Agbali observed that election observers have consistently advocated credible electoral reforms and greater accountability to deepen democracy and ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

He further warned Nigerians to remain vigilant against common political tactics that often surface during election periods.

Among the practices he identified were unfulfilled campaign promises, where ambitious pledges made during campaigns are abandoned after electoral victory; vote buying and voter inducement through cash, gifts or other incentives; and the deliberate spread of propaganda and misinformation aimed at misleading the electorate or discrediting political opponents.

He also cautioned against opportunistic political defections driven by personal ambition rather than ideology, identity politics that exploit ethnic, religious or regional divisions, and the hurried execution of cosmetic or incomplete projects shortly before elections to create a false impression of good governance.

Agbali maintained that the future of Nigeria depends on citizens who vote based on character, competence, capacity and credibility rather than emotion, ethnicity, religion or material benefits.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, participate actively in the democratic process and hold elected leaders accountable for their promises and performance.

“The strength of democracy lies in the ability of citizens to make informed choices. Leaders should emerge because they have earned the trust of the people through service, vision and integrity,” he said.

He concluded by urging eligible voters to evaluate candidates carefully, vote wisely and remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

The article was written by Comrade Salifu Agbali, Abuja, Nigeria.