Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has said that despite nearly three decades of uninterrupted civilian rule, Nigeria?s democracy remains dangerously underdeveloped.

This was just as he lamented that, ?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.?

According to Jega, removing immunity is only the beginning. To build a democracy where power truly serves the people, the country must fix the broken judiciary.

Making this known in a paper presented titled ?Required Reforms for Stronger Democratic Institutions in Nigeria? at The Platform Nigeria: June 12, 2025 edition, organised by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos, Jega, a Professor of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano, stated that while Nigeria has perfected the rituals of democracy?elections, party campaigns, political handovers?it has failed to build the substance.

He, however, added that for Nigeria to salvage its republic, it must embrace far-reaching institutional reforms to ensure accountability, strengthen the rule of law, and make governance truly serve the people.

Jega noted that, ?At the centre of Nigeria?s crisis of governance is the immunity clause in our Constitution. It was meant to protect high office holders?presidents and governors?from frivolous litigation while in office. Instead, it has become a protective shield for corruption and abuse.?

He explained that under this provision, executives have looted public funds, manipulated institutions, and trampled on rights without consequence.

According to him, ?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. Real-time accountability should apply to all public officers, regardless of rank.?

He said that in recent years, the courts have become compromised by political interference, underfunding, and opaque appointments.

He said that judges are often beholden to the executives who determine their career progression and salaries. As a result, the judiciary delays justice, tolerates impunity, and sometimes becomes a willing accomplice in subverting the will of the people.

?A democracy without an independent judiciary is like a car without brakes?it?s only a matter of time before it crashes,? he warned.

Jega emphasised that judicial reform must be both comprehensive and urgent.

He therefore canvassed that all election petitions should be resolved before winners are sworn in, to prevent courts from becoming post-election war rooms.

He also called for an appointment process for judges that prioritises merit, experience, and character?not political loyalty. The current practice of issuing contradictory court orders on the same issue from different courts, he said, must end.

He further argued that a strong democracy also depends on a free and responsible press.

Unfortunately, he said, the media in Nigeria is under siege. Journalists are routinely harassed, denied access to public information, or co-opted by political actors.

?Many operate in fear, while others compromise truth for patronage. If the press cannot freely investigate, question, and report without fear, then democratic oversight collapses. The Freedom of Information Act must be fully enforced, and government agencies that violate it should face meaningful sanctions,? he added.

Jega also charged media professionals to uphold ethical standards and help combat disinformation and hate speech, which he said pose serious threats to democracy.

On elections, he observed that while they remain the formal expression of democracy, their credibility is what gives democracy its substance. INEC, according to him, has made significant progress, especially in deploying technology, but challenges remain.

He decried the executive?s control over the appointment of INEC leadership, which continues to cast doubt on the commission?s independence.

He also faulted INEC?s overwhelming responsibilities, which include conducting elections, prosecuting electoral offenders, and regulating political parties. ?This is neither practical nor sustainable,? he said, calling for the unbundling of INEC so that specialised, autonomous bodies can handle those additional roles. (Saturday Tribune)

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