Nigeria’s democracy remains underdeveloped-Jega

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has said that despite nearly three decades of uninterrupted civilian rule, Nigeria’s democracy remains dangerously underdeveloped.

He made this known in a paper presented titled “Required Reforms for Stronger Democratic Institutions in Nigeria” at The Platform Nigeria: June 12, 2025 edition, organised by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos.

Jega, a Professor of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano, stated that while Nigeria has perfected the rituals of democracy—elections, party campaigns, political handovers—it has failed to build the substance.

He lamented that, “Institutions that work, leaders who serve, and a citizenry that trusts—we are stuck in a vicious cycle where those elected to protect democracy become its greatest threat.”

According to Jega, removing immunity is only the beginning. To build a democracy where power truly serves the people, the country must fix the broken judiciary.

Jega noted that, “At the centre of Nigeria’s crisis of governance is the immunity clause in our Constitution. It was meant to protect high office holders—presidents and governors—from frivolous litigation while in office. Instead, it has become a protective shield for corruption and abuse.”

He explained that under this provision, executives have looted public funds, manipulated institutions, and trampled on rights without consequence.

According to him, “They know that for four or eight years, they are above the law. This is not democracy—it is elected autocracy. The immunity clause must go. Real-time accountability should apply to all public officers, regardless of rank.”

Jega emphasised that judicial reform must be both comprehensive and urgent.