By Muhammad Mamman
In a stark assessment of Nigeria’s democratic progress, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, a prominent civil society organisation, has declared that the country’s electoral process has deteriorated significantly since the 2023 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s News Night programme, Itodo highlighted that the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi and Imo in November 2023, and in Edo in September 2024, fell short of the standards set by the 2023 national vote, marking a troubling regression in electoral integrity.
Tinubu’s Midterm Report: A Mixed Bag of Bold Moves and Persistent Challenges
Two years into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Itodo offered a balanced evaluation of its performance. He acknowledged bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the naira’s flotation, and efforts to diversify Nigeria’s GDP through various sectors. Notable appointments in ministries such as aviation, youth development, and interior have also shown promise, alongside landmark reforms like the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments—a significant step towards decentralised governance.
However, Itodo cautioned that these achievements are overshadowed by significant challenges. The economic fallout from these reforms has plunged many Nigerians into severe hardship, with rising costs straining households. Public officials, he noted, have failed to lead by example, continuing to allocate substantial budgets to their upkeep while urging citizens to tighten their belts. “There’s a glaring disconnect between the state’s rhetoric and its actions,” Itodo remarked, pointing to excessive spending on non-essential items.
Security remains a pressing concern, with regions like Benue, Borno, Plateau, Zamfara, and Taraba grappling with persistent violence. Itodo questioned whether the government is fulfilling its constitutional duty to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians, noting that many citizens live in fear. Furthermore, he raised alarms over encroachments on civil liberties, including restrictions on the right to protest and free speech, which undermine democratic principles.
Governance Crisis at the State Level
Turning to Nigeria’s subnational entities, Itodo decried a “chronic shortage of quality governance” among state governors. While a few have delivered on their promises, many states are witnessing a near-total collapse of effective leadership. Governors, he argued, wield significant power but often fail to translate it into tangible benefits for their constituents. This governance deficit, he warned, hampers Nigeria’s overall progress, as sustainable development relies heavily on transparent and efficient leadership at the state level.
Legislative Oversight Falls Short
Itodo also critiqued the performance of Nigeria’s legislative bodies, particularly the state assemblies and the National Assembly. Most state legislatures, he observed, lack the independence to check executive overreach, often bending to the will of governors. At the federal level, the Senate has been notably ineffective in holding the executive accountable, while the House of Representatives has shown greater resolve in scrutinising appointments, budgets, and policies. “The National Assembly exists to make laws, provide oversight, and represent the people,” Itodo stressed. “Yet, we see legislation rushed through without public scrutiny, which is unacceptable in a democracy.”
He lamented the erosion of checks and balances, noting that the blurred lines between the executive and legislature allow the former to act with impunity. This dynamic, he argued, undermines accountability and weakens Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Electoral Integrity in Decline
Reflecting on Nigeria’s electoral landscape since 2023, Itodo painted a grim picture. By-elections and off-cycle governorship polls have shown a marked decline in quality, with the Kogi, Imo, and Edo elections failing to meet basic integrity standards. In Kogi, for instance, pre-filled result sheets—a practice not seen in the 2023 general elections—undermined the process, a finding corroborated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite such evidence, the courts upheld the results, raising questions about judicial oversight.
The Edo election similarly drew criticism from YIAGA Africa and other observers for widespread manipulation. Only the Ondo governorship election has been deemed credible post-2023. Itodo attributed this regression to the desperation of political actors, who have subverted innovations like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV). “These reforms were meant to strengthen our elections,” he said, “but they’ve been brought to their knees by those seeking power at all costs.”
A Call for Electoral Reform
As a member of the National Assembly’s technical committee on electoral amendments, Itodo underscored the urgent need for reform. A key demand from civil society is the mandatory electronic transmission of election results, which would complement manual processes to enhance transparency. Despite public support for this measure, Itodo noted its absence from many legislative discussions. “Citizens must continue to demand electronic transmission or nothing,” he urged, emphasising that such reforms are critical to restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In conclusion, Itodo’s assessment paints a sobering picture of Nigeria’s democratic challenges. While President Tinubu’s administration has taken bold steps, the persistent issues of economic hardship, insecurity, and electoral decline demand urgent attention. At the state and federal levels, stronger leadership and accountability are essential to deliver the dividends of democracy that Nigerians deserve.
