ABUJA — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Princess Nikky Onyeri, has declared that democracy must remain anchored on the people’s free choice rather than ethnic sentiment or coercion.
Onyeri, who is the National Convener of the Forum of APC Female Aspirants 2027 (FAFAN), spoke at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where she condemned what she described as the growing trend of ethnic politics in the country.
Her remarks followed a purported message allegedly circulated by a group known as the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, urging Ndi Igbo in Abuja to vote for the candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the forthcoming Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election scheduled for February 21.
Onyeri said it had come to their notice that certain groups were encouraging Igbos in Abuja to vote solely for an Igbo candidate of the SDP, describing such a move as undemocratic and divisive.
“The message being circulated online claims that Ndi Igbo in Abuja have endorsed the candidate of the SDP for AMAC chairmanship. We condemn that brand of politics. There is no such thing as Igbo stakeholders collectively endorsing any candidate,” she said.
She stressed that Nigerians should vote for candidates of their choice without basing their decisions on religion or ethnicity, noting that the credibility of any election depends on the collective resolve of citizens to exercise their franchise freely.
According to her, democracy thrives on credibility, transparency and accountability, warning that elections that are not free, fair and transparent weaken the very foundation of governance.
“No group has the right to endorse any individual in the name of Ndigbo in Abuja. Who gave them the mandate to speak for all Igbos? Who was consulted before that decision was reached?” she queried.
Onyeri cautioned that when political pluralism is removed from the electoral process, whether overtly or covertly, authoritarian tendencies begin to creep in, diminishing the legitimacy of outcomes.
She urged voters to prioritise competence, integrity and capacity over tribal or religious considerations, arguing that politics driven by sentiment has contributed to many of the country’s current challenges.
“Any politician using religion or ethnicity as a tool to seek elective office is an enemy of the people and should be rejected,” she said, adding that Nigeria’s progress depends on stakeholders abandoning divisive politics and focusing on solutions to economic and security challenges.
She also called on voters to shun violence and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the council elections, stressing that democracy remains the best system of government for citizens to reap the full benefits of nationhood.
