Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned that “elected autocracy is replacing real democracy in Nigeria.”
Truth Live News reports that despite nearly three decades of uninterrupted civil rule, Nigeria’s democracy remains dangerously underdeveloped, with institutions failing to work, leaders not serving, and citizens lacking trust.
Speaking on how to salvage the republic, Jega advocated far-reaching institutional reforms to ensure accountability, strengthen the rule of law, and make governance serve the people.
He noted that the immunity clause in the Constitution has become a protective shield for corruption and abuse, allowing executives to loot public funds, manipulate institutions, and trample on rights without consequence, adding that it’s not democracy, but “elected autocracy.”
He also said the judiciary has become compromised due to political interference, underfunding, and opaque appointments.
Jega emphasized that Nigeria needs a full democratic reset, shifting from a culture of impunity to responsibility, patronage to public service, and autocracy to real democracy, noting that time is running out, and urgent action is necessary to save the republic..
