Warfare in election season

In every federal election season in Nigeria, insecurity tends to escalate, manifesting in terrorist attacks, kidnapping for ransom and toxic narratives driven by ethnic and religious divisions. Compared to previous election cycles, the build-up to the 2027 general election has generated the most intense political tension and negative reactions witnessed since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Therefore, as we reflect on the gains of Democracy Day, celebrated last week on June 12, it is important to critically examine the challenges confronting democratic governance in Nigeria and determine whether the nation is truly making the progress expected of it.

President Bola Tinubu’s performance after three years in office has, predictably, been assessed from different perspectives and through diverse political lenses. One fact, however, remains undeniable: there can never be complete unanimity regarding the performance of any political office holder.

In Tinubu’s case, regardless of tribal or religious considerations, his reforms, however ambitious, noble and realistic, have produced a clear verdict: reforms without corresponding relief that meaningfully improves the welfare of ordinary citizens. There has been no substantial improvement in living standards or in the provision of critical social infrastructure such as reliable electricity, affordable housing, quality healthcare and, above all, national security.

The persistent rise in insecurity appears, in many respects, to be politically motivated, given the pattern it has assumed over the years. Some northern political elements have often leveraged issues of Sharia and Islamism to exert pressure on southern presidents, seeking a return of power to the North, where certain interests believe it naturally belongs. This perception has fueled recurring claims that the North is marginalized whenever a southerner occupies the presidency.

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan faced similar accusations, and President Tinubu appears to be experiencing the same political resistance.

To address this recurring challenge, President Tinubu should initiate constitutional reforms that formally entrench the rotation of presidential power between the North and the South, possibly with a single term of five or six years. Such a measure could promote political stability, strengthen national cohesion, and reduce ethnic and religious tensions associated with presidential contests. When all regions are assured of fair access to the presidency, electoral tensions are likely to diminish significantly.

Beyond power rotation, constitutional reforms should also focus on making the misuse and diversion of public funds by elected officials far more difficult. Once public office ceases to be a pathway to personal enrichment, only those genuinely committed to service will be motivated to seek elective positions.

More than many of his predecessors, Tinubu has demonstrated a willingness to take bold decisions, even when they provoke opposition. He should therefore extend his reform agenda beyond macroeconomic policies to include political tenure, public finance management, and the incentives that encourage corruption and desperate competition for public office.

If these reforms are pursued diligently, corruption could be significantly reduced and more credible political leaders would emerge. This outcome would be further strengthened if the salaries and emoluments attached to public office were modest, serving primarily as allowances or honorariums rather than avenues for personal wealth accumulation.

Tinubu’s legacy reforms should also include legislation outlawing the payment of ransom to kidnappers, thereby discouraging those who view kidnapping as a profitable enterprise. If political reforms are expanded to encompass stricter regulation of public funds, the blocking of financial leakages, and a firm ban on what many regard as “blood money,” the impact on public finance could be transformative.

Such measures would free substantial resources currently lost to waste and corruption, allowing greater investment in critical sectors such as power, affordable energy, housing, healthcare, security, and other drivers of national development.

• Ladi Ayodeji, marriage counselor, author, media expert and philosopher, can be reached on 09059243004, WhatsApp only.