Former Ogun governor Gbenga Daniel urges Nigerians to reject vote-buying and prioritise competence, accountability and national interest ahead of the 2027 elections
Gbenga Daniel on Vote-Buying, Accountability Ahead of 2027
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel has urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, accountability and national interest in choosing their leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that political slogans must give way to measurable results in governance.
Daniel made the call on Friday while delivering the keynote address at the Megastar of the Decade Awards Night, held at The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja, under the theme, “The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders, and the Democracy We Choose.” He urged voters to look beyond political rhetoric and carefully assess candidates’ character, track records in public office and policy proposals before deciding who deserves their votes.
He said the country’s political future depended not merely on who won elections but on whether elected officials could translate their mandates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Elections determine who occupies political office. But governance determines whether the people benefit from that office,” he said.
The former governor urged Nigerians to examine candidates’ plans for addressing pressing national challenges, including rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and persistent gaps in education, healthcare, electricity supply and infrastructure.
He cautioned against electoral practices capable of undermining credible democratic participation, including vote-buying, political violence, misinformation and the exploitation of ethnic and religious sentiments to influence voters.
“Our votes are among the most important instruments available to us for shaping the future of our country. We must use them wisely,” Daniel said.
He also called on political parties and other stakeholders to uphold democratic principles as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum. He urged electoral institutions to guarantee transparency, security agencies to remain impartial and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
Daniel said the credibility of the electoral process would depend on the collective responsibility of institutions and citizens, stressing that voters must be prepared to hold elected officials accountable for their promises and performance.
He challenged the media to prioritise factual reporting over sensationalism, while urging the private sector to invest in the economy and create jobs. He also called on civil society organisations to strengthen accountability and civic education.
Describing the 2027 elections as a test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity, Daniel said success should not be measured solely by the outcome of the polls but also by peaceful participation, credible institutions and public confidence in the electoral process.
He further encouraged young Nigerians to take an active role in democratic affairs, describing them as important stakeholders in determining the country’s present and future.
Beyond electoral politics, the former governor used the awards ceremony to call on influential individuals and award recipients to turn recognition into meaningful contributions to society.
He said public recognition should carry a responsibility to support national development and inspire positive change, adding that the lasting value of leadership and influence would ultimately be judged by their impact on future generations.
“Our children will not judge us by the speeches we delivered or the political campaigns we attended. They will judge us by the country we leave behind,” he said.
Daniel urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 general elections with discernment and a commitment to peaceful participation, maintaining that the country’s future would depend both on the leaders citizens elect and their willingness to demand accountability after the polls.
