Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral processes, emphasizing the need for credible leadership within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore integrity to elections. Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Connecticut, USA, Obasanjo discussed the theme “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria” and highlighted the growing issues of electoral malpractice and systemic corruption in the country.
A Call for Credible INEC Leadership
Obasanjo stressed the necessity of appointing INEC leaders with impeccable integrity and independence, urging thorough vetting to eliminate partisan influence.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board but also transparently independent and incorruptible,” he stated.
He also proposed short tenures for electoral officials at federal, state, and local levels to limit political interference.
Concerns Over State Capture
The former president described Nigeria’s current governance as a form of “state capture,” where political elites manipulate national resources and institutions for personal gain. He alleged that national assets, resources, and opportunities are increasingly monopolized by a select group of individuals, undermining public interest.
Obasanjo linked this issue to the judiciary, accusing it of being compromised by wealthy politicians who secure favorable rulings by outbidding their opponents.
“Politicians corruptly getting themselves declared winners in elections and daring losers to go to court, where justice cannot be assured, is the easiest way to kill electoral democracy,” he warned.
Economic Decline Under Current Leadership
Highlighting the economic downturn, Obasanjo contrasted Nigeria’s $510 billion GDP in 2014 under former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with the current $199 billion, as reported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He attributed the previous economic successes to competent leadership within his administration, citing the efforts of late Bola Ige, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and other cabinet members.
Reforming the Electoral System
Obasanjo described the 2023 elections as a “travesty” and called for comprehensive electoral reforms to prevent manipulation at all levels. Among his recommendations were:
- Transparent vetting of INEC officials.
- Enhanced security of voting infrastructure, including BVAS and IReV systems.
- Financial regulations for campaigns and enforcement mechanisms to prevent corruption.
- Pre-election system testing witnessed by international observers.
“These technologies—BVAS and IReV—did not fail; INEC failed to implement them, allowing widespread voting irregularities,” he asserted.
The Dangers of Leadership Failure
Obasanjo warned of the consequences of poor leadership, citing increased insecurity, youth unrest, economic instability, and societal division. He called for urgent action to tackle corruption and restore integrity across all sectors of governance.
“The more immorality and corruption within a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos and underdevelopment,” he concluded.
A Path Forward for Nigeria
Obasanjo’s speech at Yale University serves as a clarion call for Nigeria to confront its systemic challenges. By addressing state capture, ensuring credible elections, and appointing leaders with integrity, the country can rebuild trust and lay the foundation for sustainable development.
