The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the approach could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The monarch made the remarks in a statement issued by the Ooni’s Palace as he began a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Ogunwusi, who is also co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said the perceived separation between the executive and the electoral commission could help reinforce confidence in democratic institutions.
He urged political leaders to place national interests above personal and partisan considerations, stressing that political differences should not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.
The Ooni’s comments come as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, with INEC having released final lists of presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates.
INEC is also working with election stakeholders, including an African Union delegation, on preparations covering technology, logistics, security, results management and public confidence.
The Ooni said Nigeria’s stability and democratic development should remain a shared responsibility among political leaders and institutions.
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