Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria's democracy is being replaced by an "elected autocracy" despite nearly three decades of uninterrupted civil rule.
Speaking at The Platform Nigeria: June 12, 2025 edition, organized by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos, Jega presented a paper titled "Required Reforms for Stronger Democratic Institutions in Nigeria" where he outlined critical concerns about the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions.
"We have perfected the rituals of democracy, elections, party campaigns, political handovers, but have failed to build the substance: institutions that work, leaders who serve, and a citizenry that trusts. We are stuck in a vicious cycle where those elected to protect democracy become its greatest threat," Jega stated.
Constitutional Immunity: A Shield for Corruption
The Political Science Professor from Bayero University, Kano, identified the immunity clause in Nigeria's Constitution as a central problem in the country's governance crisis. According to him, this provision has transformed from a protection against frivolous litigation into "a protective shield for corruption and abuse."
"Under this provision, executives have looted public funds, manipulated institutions, and trampled on rights without consequence. They know that for four or eight years, they are above the law. This is not democracy, it is elected autocracy. The immunity clause must go," he emphasized.
Judicial Reform: A Critical Necessity
Jega highlighted the urgent need for judicial reform, describing the current state of the judiciary as "broken" due to political interference, underfunding, and opaque appointments. He noted that judges are often beholden to executives who control their career progression and salaries.
"A democracy without an independent judiciary is like a car without brakes, it's only a matter of time before it crashes," he warned.
Among his recommendations, Jega called for all election petitions to be resolved before winners are sworn in and for judicial appointments to prioritize merit over political loyalty. He also condemned contradictory court orders that have turned the judiciary into "a playground for desperate politicians."
Media Freedom and Electoral Integrity
The former INEC chairman expressed concern about the state of media freedom in Nigeria, noting that journalists face harassment and limited access to public information. He called for full enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act and meaningful sanctions for government agencies that violate it.
On electoral reforms, Jega suggested that INEC should be "unbundled" to focus solely on election management, with specialized institutions taking on other roles like prosecuting electoral offenders and regulating political parties. He emphasized the importance of technology in ensuring electoral integrity, calling for standardized electronic transmission of results and secure biometric accreditation.
Executive Dominance and Citizen Engagement
Jega criticized the unchecked dominance of the executive arm at both state and federal levels, describing how governors and presidents often operate "as if they are above scrutiny" with non-transparent allocation of security votes and appointment of cronies without merit.
To address this imbalance, he called for a drastic reduction in political appointments, strict transparency in public spending, and adherence to budgets rather than treating them as "mere suggestions."
The professor also emphasized the importance of citizen engagement, noting that "democracy cannot be outsourced" and that citizens must actively participate and reject vote-buying and ethnic politics. He advocated for inclusive participation, including diaspora voting, early voting options for essential workers, and legislative quotas for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
A Call for Democratic Reset
Concluding his presentation, Jega called for a "full democratic reset" in Nigeria, warning that the country risks not just democratic stagnation but collapse if it continues on its current path.
"Nigeria is not doomed. But we are running out of time. This republic can still be saved, if we act with urgency, clarity, and courage. Let the reforms begin. Let the people rise. Let democracy, finally, be real," he stated.
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