2027: Senior lawyers task politicians on peaceful transition, rule of law

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, senior lawyers have urged politicians to play by the rules, shun do-or-die politics, and ensure a peaceful transition of power.

The Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) spoke to newsmen at the weekend during a prayer session marking the opening of a new law firm by Johnson Usman, SAN, in Abuja, using the occasion to weigh in on the political temperature ahead of next year’s polls.

Abdul Mohammed, SAN, called on the political class to display maturity and run issue-based campaigns before, during and after the elections.

“We want a peaceful transition, a peaceful election,” he said, adding that Nigeria should emulate Ghana’s example of sustained democratic stability, which he noted had been cited at the UN General Assembly.

He insisted the electorate’s choice must be respected, warning against “do-or-die” politics.

Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, echoed the call, saying politicians must submit to the rule of law and allow citizens to decide their leaders.

“We don’t want political imposition either at the party, state or national level,” he said.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Abuja Branch, Yakubu Philemon, SAN, urged all election stakeholders to play their part fairly, stressing that elective office is a call to service rather than a personal contest. He said campaigns should focus on issues and proffer solutions rather than personal attacks, arguing that this would reduce post-election litigation. He also charged INEC to conduct itself transparently so that losing candidates would readily accept defeat.

Beyond the polls, the lawyers used the event to congratulate their colleague, Usman, on his new office, describing the ultra-modern facility as a “research centre” with an extensive library and multiple meeting rooms, and urging him to use it as a platform to mentor younger lawyers.