By Muhammad Sani Uba
Former INEC Chairman and renowned political scientist, Professor Attahiru Muhammad Jega, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy may continue to stagnate unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen electoral integrity and rebuild public trust in the political system.
Speaking as the Guest Speaker at a public lecture organised by the Federal University Kashere (FUK), Gombe State, on Thursday, Prof. Jega presented a paper titled “Elections and Good Governance in Nigeria.”
He observed that 26 years after Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, in the fourth republic, the country still struggles with democratic consolidation due to persistent flaws in its electoral process.
Jega described electoral integrity as the “bedrock of credible democracy,” stressing that elections must be free, fair, transparent, efficient, and conducted in strict adherence to the rule of law. He said democracy cannot thrive when elections are marred by manipulation, violence, logistical failures, vote-buying, weak institutions, and increasing judicial controversies.
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According to him, Nigeria’s governance crisis is deepened by corruption, executive impunity, political thuggery, and a widening disconnect between citizens and the political leadership.
He emphasized the need for a robust electoral legal framework, independent and professional election management bodies, accurate voter registers, transparent result processes, and strict campaign finance regulation.
Jega called for the creation of a nationwide Alliance for Elections with Integrity to galvanize reforms that will strengthen democracy, enhance citizen confidence, and promote responsible and responsive leadership.
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