Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, warning that the nation’s political system remains deeply flawed despite nearly three decades of uninterrupted civil rule.
Speaking at The Platform Nigeria: June 12, 2025 Edition, organised by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos, the respected political scientist said that while Nigeria has perfected the outward forms of democracy, such as elections and handovers, it has failed to build real democratic substance.
“We are stuck in a vicious cycle where those elected to protect democracy become its greatest threat,” Jega lamented.
He identified the immunity clause in the Constitution as a key enabler of corruption, shielding high-ranking politicians from accountability and encouraging abuse of power. He called for its total removal to ensure real-time accountability for public officers.
Beyond this, Professor Jega recommended comprehensive judicial reforms, noting that the courts have been weakened by political interference, underfunding, and questionable appointments.
“A democracy without an independent judiciary is like a car without brakes — it’s bound to crash,” he warned.
He also emphasized the need to protect press freedom, enhance electoral integrity by unbundling INEC, and reduce the overwhelming control of the executive arm at federal and state levels.
Jega further urged for inclusive participation, calling for diaspora voting rights, early voting options, and quotas for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“We must shift from a culture of impunity to a culture of responsibility… Nigeria is not doomed, but time is running out. Let the reforms begin. Let the people rise. Let democracy, finally, be real,” he concluded.