The United Action for Democracy (UAD) has called on Nigerians to reject political candidates with alleged criminal records and corruption allegations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the group’s general secretary, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, accused political parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of presenting candidates with questionable records for elective offices.
“We want to use this opportunity to brief Nigerians on the continued presentation of certified corrupt candidates for the 2027 election,” Ajayi said.
He alleged that some politicians seeking elective positions should be facing legal scrutiny rather than contesting elections, and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that only qualified candidates are cleared for the polls.
The UAD also called on political parties to strengthen their screening processes and avoid nominating individuals facing corruption allegations or criminal proceedings.
Ajayi said the organisation had submitted petitions to agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the APC over some of the issues it raised.
The group further criticised what it described as the increasing trend of former governors seeking seats in the National Assembly after leaving office.
According to Ajayi, the senate should not become “a retirement ground” for former governors and political office holders with unresolved allegations hanging over them.
On insecurity, the UAD urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue kidnapped victims across the country and tackle the nation’s security challenges.
Ajayi described insecurity as evidence of broader governance failures, arguing that the government’s response had fallen short of public expectations.
“We are calling on the Federal Government, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and all security agencies to rescue all abducted persons and address the worsening security situation across the country,” he said.
Ajayi said the group’s intervention was part of its broader mandate as a civil society organisation committed to promoting accountability and protecting democratic values.
He maintained that UAD would continue to speak out against impunity in the political system regardless of whether relevant authorities act on its recommendations.
