Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has accused politicians of sabotaging Nigeria’s democracy through abuse of incumbency, vote-buying, thuggery, and judicial corruption, warning that such actions erode electoral integrity and fuel violence.
Jega made the remarks on Monday while delivering the convocation lecture at the 9th NILDS/UNIBEN postgraduate and 4th NILDS Higher National Diploma (HND) graduation ceremony organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja.
“If democracy, in comparison to other forms of government, is the best system of organising politics and governance in a modern nation-state, why has it been failing to satisfy popular aspirations and expectations in Nigeria?” Jega asked.
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He identified key threats to electoral integrity, including:Aggressive pursuit of self-serving objectives by narrow-minded politicians
Use of incumbency to manipulate INEC, security agencies, and electoral processes
Deployment of armed thugs to intimidate voters and disrupt polling stations
Violation of campaign finance laws and vote-buying with cash and material inducements
Unethical conduct by election officials and corrupt judicial rulings in electoral disputes
Voter apathy and deliberate disengagement due to loss of confidence
Jega, who supervised the 2011 and 2015 general elections, condemned the “do-or-die” mentality in politics, which he said triggers conflicts before, during, and after elections.
“Democracy cannot be nurtured, nourished, and sustained by undemocratic means,” he declared.
“Only democrats using democratic values, beliefs, and processes can build and consolidate democratic gains.”
He called for an “Alliance for Elections with Integrity” involving all stakeholders to drive reforms.
Reform Recommendations:
* Strengthen INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs)
* Ensure timely, impartial judicial resolution of electoral disputes
* Guarantee fair access to state-controlled media for all candidates
* Enforce a binding code of conduct for political actors
* Mobilise citizens for voter registration and participation
* Amend the Electoral Act at least six months before general elections
* Deploy robust cybersecurity to protect electoral technology
Jega stressed that electoral integrity guarantees accountability, reduces violence, strengthens public institutions, and enhances peaceful conflict resolution.
“Electoral integrity is essential for deepening democratic development and expanding the concept of development to meet broader human needs,” he said.
He urged continuous legal reforms, public enlightenment, and constructive stakeholder engagement to protect and defend the electoral process.