• Jonathan urges responsible leadership
• Bamidele warns against hate speech

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to end election rigging and strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if elected president.

For a credible 2027 elections, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, warned political parties and their candidates against inflammatory comments and hate speech capable of causing unrest.

This was, as former President Goodluck Jonathan said, the challenges facing the country require responsible and patriotic leaders who can rise to the occasion and provide good governance.

Atiku made the pledge in his address yesterday at the ADC headquarters in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

He promised to support the prompt publication of results from every polling unit and ensure that electoral offenders faced the law, regardless of party affiliation.

The presidential candidate said anyone caught buying votes or altering election results would face prosecution, stressing that every Nigerian’s vote must count as cast.

He urged Nigerians to protect their votes, reject intimidation and carefully question every candidate ahead of the 2027
general elections.

BAMIDELE, who is the Chairman of the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly, urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the Constitution.

The Senate Leader made the call in his Independence Day message yesterday, marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary of independence.

He said while political actors had the constitutional right to campaign and pursue their ambitions, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law.

The senator cautioned against statements capable of aggravating political tensions or provoking ethno-religious violence before, during and after the elections.

He said: “The exercise of political rights at this defining moment should be guided by the rules of the electoral contest and not by the rules of the jungle.

“While every aspiration is legitimate in a democracy, it should be pursued with decorum, patriotism and utmost restraint.”

The lawmaker warned that political ambition should not come at the expense of national peace and stability.

He said: “No ambition is worth setting the nation ablaze. As we mark our 66th anniversary of political freedom and prepare for the 2027 elections, political parties and their candidates must conduct their activities within the ambit of the law.”

JONATHAN noted that as the country marked its 66th anniversary of nationhood, it had faced numerous challenges over the years but had continued to overcome them through collective resilience.

In a statement yesterday to commemorate the 66th Independence Anniversary, the former president said for Nigeria to reap the benefits of the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations, its leaders must demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and deeper patriotism.

He said: “We must confront our pressing social and economic challenges by prioritising personal sacrifice, good governance, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.”

Jonathan also called on Nigerians to remain patriotic and prioritise actions that safeguard peace, unity, and justice as the country enters another electoral season.

According to him, this is the period that will test our democratic maturity.

“The years ahead hold immense possibilities, provided we harness our diversity and our abundant natural and human resources to drive sustainable development,” he said.

He urged the youth to remain hopeful, show courage, and work with faith towards a better country that guarantees a prosperous future for generations to come.

“Let us remain dedicated, showing greater commitment and sacrifice in national service to build a truly peaceful, secure, and equitable nation for ourselves and the generations ahead,” he said.