The sixth annual Freedom Online lecture, themed “Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, the Leaders or the Led?”, held in Lagos, became a platform for prominent figures to dissect Nigeria’s political landscape and the challenges hindering its progress. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, represented by former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, questioned the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing its inconsistent enforcement of constitutional provisions regarding political defections. This concern stemmed from the situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where 27 lawmakers loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amidst a political rift with Fubara. While a faction within the Assembly called for by-elections, INEC’s stance remained that the matter was sub judice, further fueling Fubara’s doubts about the commission’s impartiality.
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, amplified the criticism of INEC, demanding the removal of its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Adams attributed the irregularities and credibility concerns surrounding the past two general elections to Yakubu’s leadership and argued that his continued tenure would only benefit politicians seeking to manipulate future elections. He questioned the rationale behind Yakubu presiding over three presidential elections, an unprecedented occurrence in Nigeria’s history, and alluded to potential ulterior motives. Adams further raised concerns about Yakubu’s alleged accumulation of wealth and stressed the impossibility of credible elections under his leadership, urging the appointment of a new, untainted chairman.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Chief Olabode George, the chairman of the occasion, addressed the varied reactions to General Ibrahim Babangida’s recently released memoir and his admission of error in annulling the June 12, 1993, election. George advocated for a pause in public discourse on Babangida’s role in the June 12 saga, suggesting that political science and history scholars should analyze the issue based on Babangida’s account. He lamented that despite the numerous leaders who have emerged since June 12, 1993, Nigeria has failed to achieve the anticipated progress. This highlighted a broader concern about the nation’s political trajectory and the unfulfilled promises of democratic governance.
Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde offered a different perspective on the event’s theme, positing that the core issue lies not in a simple dichotomy between leaders and the led, but in the pervasive monetization of Nigerian politics. He argued that the ease with which politicians can buy votes during elections fosters indifference towards good governance. This perspective shifted the focus from individual blame to the systemic flaws within the electoral system. Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the detrimental impact of money in politics and the compromise of both INEC and the judiciary by political actors. She underscored the urgent need to address this issue to restore integrity to the electoral process and governance.
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Omoniyi Olubolade, appealed to leaders to prioritize good governance for the sake of respect and their legacy. He encouraged citizens to hold incompetent leaders accountable and urged those in positions of power to embrace sincerity, transparency, and a commitment to combating corruption. This call for ethical leadership and citizen engagement underscored the importance of shared responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political challenges. The Managing Director of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, set the tone for the discussions by highlighting the critical need for political and judicial reforms in Nigeria, reinforcing the overarching theme of the lecture.
The Freedom Online lecture served as a vital platform for critical analysis of Nigeria’s political landscape. The diverse perspectives shared by prominent figures, including Governor Fubara, Aare Gani Adams, Chief Olabode George, Professor Onigbinde, and others, highlighted key challenges such as INEC’s neutrality, the influence of money in politics, and the need for ethical leadership. The event underscored the urgency of addressing these issues to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and foster meaningful progress for its citizens. The presence of distinguished attendees, including media professionals and former government officials, further emphasized the significance of the discussions and the collective responsibility to shape a better future for Nigeria.
