UNIEC: VERIFY THE FACTS, DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY, AND LET NIGERIANS DECIDE 2027.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR FACTS, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ISSUE-BASED DEMOCRACY AHEAD OF 2027

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ENUGU, NIGERIA — 7 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note of a circulated report alleging that more than 1,500 Islamic clerics from northern states gathered in Kano and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to seek re-election in 2027, reportedly citing hardship, insecurity and dissatisfaction with government performance.

UNIEC emphasizes that the claims should not be treated as established facts until the alleged meeting, organisers, participants, communiqué and resolutions are independently verified through credible sources.

OUR OFFICIAL POSITION

UNIEC upholds the constitutional right of Nigerians, including religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society and political groups, to express opinions about government performance, support or oppose candidates, and participate peacefully in democratic processes, subject always to the Constitution and applicable laws.

However, no ethnic, religious or regional constituency should be portrayed as speaking with one voice without credible evidence establishing the authority and mandate of those making such declarations.

Nigeria is a plural nation. Political decisions belong to the electorate, who must make informed choices freely, peacefully and without intimidation, inducement, religious manipulation or ethnic mobilisation.

THE MESSAGE TO GOVERNMENT

Whether or not the reported Kano meeting occurred as circulated, the issues allegedly raised—economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power and public dissatisfaction—deserve serious attention.

An administration that listens strengthens democracy. Ignoring legitimate grievances risks public distrust.

UNIEC therefore calls upon the Federal Government to continue engaging Nigerians across regions, religions, professions and generations, and to demonstrate measurable progress in security, economic recovery, employment, infrastructure, electricity, institutional integrity, justice, social welfare and national cohesion.

THE 2027 ELECTIONS MUST BE ISSUE-DRIVEN

The 2027 elections should not become a contest of religious suspicion, ethnic hostility or regional propaganda. They should enable Nigerians to examine records, policies, competence, integrity, security outcomes and economic performance.

Political parties and aspirants should present clear programmes addressing citizens’ concerns. Nigerians should demand answers rather than slogans, performance rather than promises, and accountability rather than political sentiment.

ELDERLY COUNSEL

Our elders teach us: “When a man brings news from the marketplace, the wise elder first asks who witnessed it before repeating it in the village.”

This is especially important in the age of social media, where unverified statements can travel rapidly before the truth is established.

Another enduring counsel is: “The elder who refuses to hear the cry of the village should not be surprised when the village stops listening to him.”

Government must listen. Citizens must speak responsibly. Leaders must accept scrutiny. Political opponents must debate without hatred. Religious and traditional leaders must exercise influence with wisdom.

UNIEC CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

UNIEC calls upon Nigerians to:

1. Verify sensitive reports before believing or circulating them as established facts. 2. Respect the constitutional right to lawful political expression and peaceful participation. 3. Demand accountability from government at every level. 4. Judge political leadership by performance, policies, competence and integrity. 5. Reject religious, ethnic and regional incitement. 6. Protect the dignity and security of every citizen, regardless of identity or political preference. 7. Allow the 2027 elections to reflect the free and peaceful choice of the Nigerian people.

Nigeria does not need rumours, mutual suspicion and inflammatory narratives. It needs truth, responsible leadership, competent governance, justice, security, economic opportunity and national reconciliation.

UNIEC therefore urges all stakeholders to verify before believing, listen before judging, debate issues rather than communities, respect lawful political expression, reject incitement and allow citizens to decide their political future peacefully.

Let the facts speak. Let the people decide. Let leaders listen. Let elections remain peaceful. And let Nigeria’s future be determined through constitutional democracy rather than fear, inducement or coercion.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council

His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven

MEDIA CONTACT

Directorate of Media & Publicity United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide For official statements and enquiries, contact the UNIEC National Secretariat.