Abuja: An APC Chieftain, Princess Nikky Onyeri, the National Convener of the Forum of APC Female Aspirants 2027 (FAFAN), has emphasized that democracy should remain about the people’s choice, not sentiment or coercion. Onyeri expressed her concerns during a press briefing, criticizing the ethnic politics played by some politicians across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onyeri was reacting to a purported message from a group called Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, which urged Ndi Igbo in Abuja to vote for the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) candidate for the AMAC chairmanship in the upcoming February 21 council elections. She criticized this call for being undemocratic and emphasized that such endorsements should not influence the electoral process.
Onyeri condemned the message circulated online by the group, which claimed that Ndi Igbo in Abuja had endorsed the SDP candidate. She clarified that no such endorsement from Igbo stakeholders existed and urged Nigerians to vote based on personal choice rather than religion or ethnicity. She stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in elections, stating that democracy thrives on credibility rather than force or manipulation.
Highlighting the dangers of political manipulation, Onyeri warned that when political pluralism is compromised, authoritarianism can emerge, undermining the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. She urged citizens to reflect deeply on their choices and prioritize competence and integrity over tribal loyalty and religious sentiment.
Onyeri further stated that politics based on sentiment has contributed to Nigeria’s challenges and has not benefited the country. She encouraged voters to choose candidates who can address economic, security, and other national issues effectively. She labeled politicians who exploit religion and ethnicity for political gain as enemies of the people and called for their rejection.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political climate, Onyeri noted that political brinkmanship often sidelines the welfare of the people. Despite these challenges, she maintained that democracy remains the best system for ensuring the people’s benefits from their sovereign nationhood. She encouraged voters to reject violence and cooperate with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.
Onyeri concluded by calling for the discouragement of ethnic and religious political campaigns and urged religious leaders to refrain from influencing political decisions. She emphasized that progress in Nigeria requires stakeholders to move beyond sentiment and address governance issues sincerely.