Abeokuta, Ogun State – A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Sowunmi-Kolapo, has urged Muslim faithful to reject vote buying, money politics, and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during a gathering of Muslim faithful in Ogun State, Sowunmi-Kolapo called on the Muslim community to uphold integrity and moral responsibility as the nation prepares for another round of elections.

He emphasized that the future of Nigeria depends on the collective commitment of citizens to free, fair, and peaceful elections, warning that the manipulation of the electoral process through financial inducement and intimidation would only perpetuate bad leadership and underdevelopment.

“Vote buying and money politics are cancers that eat into the fabric of our democracy,” Sowunmi-Kolapo said. “As Muslims, we must lead by example and refuse to be used as instruments of electoral malpractice. Your vote is your conscience, and you must not sell it for a plate of porridge.”

He further cautioned against political violence, urging youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as tools of thuggery by desperate politicians. He stressed that violence during elections not only claims innocent lives but also undermines the credibility of the entire democratic process.

Sowunmi-Kolapo also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to educate their followers on the importance of participating peacefully and honestly in the electoral process. He noted that the Muslim community has a vital role to play in shaping a Nigeria that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all.

The PDP chieftain’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the conduct of Nigerian elections, with previous polls marred by allegations of vote buying, voter intimidation, and violence in various parts of the country. Civil society organizations and international observers have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen the integrity of the electoral system.

Sowunmi-Kolapo urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted transparently and that perpetrators of electoral offences are held accountable.

He concluded by calling on all Nigerians, regardless of religious or political affiliation, to work together to safeguard democracy and ensure that the will of the people prevails at the ballot box.