APM Candidate Babajide Calls for Free, Fair and Credible 2027 Elections

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Ogun State, Prince Babajide Rotimi Matthew, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver a credible, transparent and impartial electoral process in the 2027 general elections.
Babajide, in an open letter to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission must use the 2027 elections to restore and strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in the nation’s electoral system.
He urged INEC to remain firmly committed to neutrality, professionalism and due process, stressing that the credibility of the electoral umpire would be critical to the acceptance of the outcome of the elections.
The APM candidate also commended the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ogun State, Mrs Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi, for her efforts, while noting that recent electoral exercises, particularly the Osun State governorship election, had provided Nigerians with an opportunity to assess INEC’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, Nigerians are looking towards the commission with renewed expectations under Amupitan’s leadership and expect INEC to demonstrate that the electoral process can be trusted by all political parties and stakeholders.
Babajide also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as providing an environment for INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without undue interference.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to continue to protect the independence of the electoral commission and provide it with the necessary institutional space and resources to conduct the 2027 elections without interference.
“As a political candidate, I recognise that my responsibility is to participate in the democratic process and to respect the institutions established to conduct it.
“As a Nigerian, however, my greater interest is in seeing a credible electoral process that reflects the genuine will of the people,” he said.
Babajide stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections would have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic development, saying the exercise should be seen as an opportunity to deepen citizens’ trust in democracy.
He expressed optimism that, with INEC demonstrating neutrality and professionalism, the 2027 elections could become “a celebration of democracy, the triumph of the people’s will” and another significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.