By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Secretary of the North Central zone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Francis Orogu, has said that the outcome of the 2027 general elections will be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary, not by political coalitions or alleged conspiracies involving traditional rulers and religious leaders.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Orogu—who is also the immediate past Chairman of the PDP in Nasarawa State, alleged that past elections in the state were manipulated through the collusion of INEC officials, members of the judiciary, traditional institutions and some religious leaders.
“The success of the 2027 elections will not depend on how well politicians form coalitions or on the unfortunate political conspiracy of traditional rulers and religious leaders, but on the foundation and reformation of a well-disciplined INEC and Judiciary,” Orogu stated.
He stressed that a genuine electoral process can only be achieved when traditional institutions and religious leaders remain neutral and non-partisan, particularly in Nasarawa State.
Orogu urged Nigeria’s political leaders to uphold the dignity of citizens, shun corruption, tackle insecurity and improve welfare, insisting that integrity and fairness must guide national leadership for peace and sustainable development.
“We must improve and redevelop our election manipulation antidotes in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large to ensure that people’s mandate is protected and to usher in leaders of values and integrity, not political and financial vampires.
We must do away with those who look the other way when human lives are being wasted by bandits while they concentrate on looting the people’s resources,” he warned.
Calling for stronger electoral safeguards, Orogu advocated the inclusion of a legal framework to make electronic accreditation mandatory, saying it will boost transparency and voter confidence.
He also urged residents to register massively and secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a weapon to vote out bad governance in 2027.
“Without your voter’s card you cannot effectively participate in the elections or vote candidates of your choice. To effectively participate, residents of Nasarawa must turn out en masse and register to obtain their voter’s cards as their weapon ahead of 2027,” Orogu said.
The PDP chieftain assured party members that the PDP is ready to defend its votes, declaring:
“This time it will be a face-me-I-face-you political movement where we will give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—no more, no less.”
