*Photo: Sylvester Odion Akhaine*
A professor of Political Science at the Lagos State University, Sylvester Odion Akhaine has urged Nigeria’s media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and citizens to work together to overcome deep-rooted obstacles to credible polls ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a keynote address delivered on Wednesday at the Fourth Annual Lateef Jakande Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Akhaine painted a sobering picture of Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing a political culture marked by elite mediocrity, monetisation, and a profound trust deficit between citizens and the state.
The theme of the event was “Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
Akhaine highlighted what he termed the “emasculated” Nigerian state, characterised by “state capture” where key institutions lose autonomy. He pointed to executive dominance over other arms of government and the rise of non-state actors controlling parts of the country, forcing reliance on local vigilantes for security.
“Our political culture is highly impoverished,” he said, noting that elite recruitment shuns merit in favour of money and connections, leaving citizens feeling like mere “subjects” rather than active participants in governance.
Defining Roles for Credible Polls
The professor defined the key players thus:
Media: As the “fourth estate,” tasked with disseminating information, shaping opinion, and holding power accountable. He stressed its constitutional mandate under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution to uphold government accountability.
INEC: Nigeria’s electoral management body, with a chequered history dating back to pre-independence commissions. While noting some progress toward technological solutions like electronic result transmission and first-line budget charge, he called for greater autonomy, including removing the executive’s power to appoint its leadership.
Voters: The “central actors” and repository of popular sovereignty, whose power is expressed through free and fair elections.
He described credible elections as essential for power alternation, accountability, legitimacy, and political stability — yet noted that Nigeria’s past elections have largely fallen short.
History of Flawed Elections
Akhaine reviewed Nigeria’s electoral history critically:
*The 1959 pre-independence election faced allegations of British manipulation.
*Second Republic polls were marred by controversies like the “12 two-thirds” saga.
*The June 12, 1993, election was annulled, setting democracy back.
*All seven general elections in the Fourth Republic (1999–present) were plagued by malpractices, from the 2003 “fraudulent but not enough to annul” polls to the 2007 “do-or-die” affair criticised by international observers.
He described the Fourth Republic’s birth as a “pacted” transition that constricted democratic space.
Media Challenges in the Digital Age
The professor acknowledged the Nigerian media’s resilience against authoritarian pressures, including harassment during past elections, but warned of new threats: fake news, misinformation, and the “post-truth” era amplified by social media.
Citing scholars, he noted that in today’s information overload, good information does not always triumph over bad. He urged journalists to remain committed to truth, fairness, and the constitutional duty to side with the people.
Path Forward: Synergy and Reform
In his conclusion, Akhaine called for collective action:
*The media must uphold truth and accountability.
*INEC should deepen reforms for genuine autonomy and credible processes.
*Voters need continuous civic education to resist financial inducements.
“If these critical stakeholders play their role, it is my conviction that the Nigerian democratic train would be steered on the right course,” he said.
The lecture comes at a critical time, with political activities expected to intensify toward 2027. Observers see it as a timely reminder of the unfinished business of building strong democratic institutions in Africa’s most populous nation.