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Says democracy at crossroads, calls for mobilisation ahead of election
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At times in my bed, I cry for Nigeria’
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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr Femi Falana, on Thursday, said democracy in the country is currently at a crossroads due to developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Falana said what Nigeria is currently practising is a mockery of democracy because citizens are not confident that the forthcoming general elections will be free and fair.
He spoke as chairman at the 25th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture under the theme *Democracy at the Crossroads: Electoral Credibility, Judicial Integrity and the Future of Nigeria*, which was delivered by former President of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mrs Ayo Obe.
According to him, if elections are properly conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there will be no need for judges to decide who won.
His words: “Many are not confident that 2027 elections will be free and fair. It is the right of citizens to participate in elections. From indications, we cannot say the 2027 election will be conducted free and fair.
“Those who rig elections will tell their opponents to go to court. Many election petitions are dismissed by the court on technical ground. In the Osun State election, billions were spent to bribe voters to produce a governor.
“What will happen next year will be a child’s play. Politicians will spend billions for the forthcoming general elections. I understand that in 2027, N100,000 is being set aside for bribes.
“Democracy is said to be at a crossroad in Nigeria because the 2027 general elections provide a rare opportunity when a crucial decision is required to be made in the life of the nation.
“In Nigeria, candidates cannot win elections unless they are sponsored by political god fathers and money bags. In fact, public funds are used to sponsor candidates. The Nigerian people must be mobilised to fight for popular democracy as opposed to the imposition of candidates by god fathers.
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Falana tasked churches to join the human rights community to ensure democracy is enthroned in the country, and asked Bishop Okonkwo to partner with them for good governance and the enthronement of the rule of law.
In her lecture, Mrs Ayo Obe said democracy is not a single day’s event, noting that an election is the democratic moment when citizens exercise political sovereignty.
She observed that it becomes a problem when citizens believe that their votes do not count.
Obe argued that the integrity and credibility of the count in Nigeria’s elections have continued to improve with the support of trained party agents.
She said Nigerians can do their bit by making an effort to secure their voter’s cards and deciding which candidate or political party they prefer to vote for.
In his remarks, Bishop Mike Okonkwo acknowledged that democracy is facing several challenges in Nigeria and urged citizens to stand upright for the promotion of good governance.
Okonkwo, who will clock 81 on Sunday, also commended human rights lawyers for their continuous struggle to ensure politicians play according to the rules and protect human rights.
He explained that in a disputed election, judges declare winners based on the facts available: “Those in the frontline of election (agents) must keep records of votes cast at polling units for judicial interpretation.”
He added: “Sometimes in my bed, I cry about the situation of things in the country. If Nigeria will change, it is in our hands. The politicians are ready to kill to remain in power.”
