Former Governors Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State have issued a stern warning about the threats facing Nigeria’s democracy as the 2027 general elections draw closer. Their comments were made during the fifth anniversary lecture of First Daily Newspaper held in Abuja, where prominent political figures, diplomats, and media executives gathered to discuss the future of Nigeria’s electoral system.
At the event, Dickson, who chaired the gathering, decried the escalating issues of electoral fraud, voter apathy, and political manipulation. He emphasized that the rigging of elections constitutes “the worst coup” against the nation, undermining the sovereignty of the people. He lamented the collusion among politicians, government, security agencies, and electoral bodies, which he claims leads to the falsification of election results without any basis in the actual votes cast. “They prepare results without the people’s votes and then leave it to the courts to resolve. Anyone involved in this is effectively committing a coup against democracy,” Dickson stated, underscoring the need for the National Assembly to bolster electoral laws to ensure that the people’s mandate is protected.
Amaechi echoed Dickson’s sentiments during his goodwill message, criticizing Nigeria’s failure to implement lasting electoral reforms. He argued that entrenched political interests create barriers that prevent genuine reform efforts from succeeding. “The issue with elections in Nigeria is that no incumbent government can achieve electoral reform. We have tried and failed,” Amaechi remarked. He criticized the ruling elite for undermining opposition parties and failing to provide a credible alternative, which further complicates the electoral landscape.
Both leaders pointed to increasing voter apathy as a significant contributor to the ongoing issues with electoral integrity. Amaechi warned that this indifference potentially creates fertile ground for continued rigging and manipulation, urging the public to engage actively in the electoral process to uphold democratic values.
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, provided a keynote address that criticized the unhealthy relationship between election management and political power. He expressed concern that the political alignment of those overseeing elections compromises their objectivity. “Everyone managing elections has connections to those in power,” Amadi lamented, arguing that this relationship transforms elections into contests of influence rather than genuine representations of the people’s will. He called for the appointment of independent officials to restore credibility to the electoral process.
In his welcome remarks, Daniel Markson, the Publisher of First Daily, highlighted the ongoing leadership crisis in Nigeria, attributing it to flawed elections and poor governance. He emphasized the need for a collective acknowledgment among leaders of their failures and the necessity for reform to restore public trust in governance.
The discussions at the event shed light on the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system as the 2027 elections approach. Both Dickson and Amaechi, alongside other speakers, outlined critical actions needed to address electoral fraud, enhance voter participation, and ensure the integrity of future elections. Their messages resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of safeguarding democracy in Nigeria.
