Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a more credible Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership, cautioning against what he described as the creeping threat of state capture in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Speaking at an event in Lagos, Obasanjo lamented the erosion of public trust in electoral processes due to perceived partisanship within INEC. He urged the commission to rebuild its integrity and independence to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
Obasanjo also expressed concern about the state of the judiciary, describing it as compromised and warning that this undermines the foundation of democracy. He highlighted the judiciary’s role as a neutral arbiter and called for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the justice system. According to him, a compromised judiciary poses a severe threat to the rule of law and democratic governance.
The former president further cautioned against political interference in Nigeria’s institutions, stressing that the integrity of these bodies is essential for national development. He appealed to stakeholders to prioritize national interest over personal or partisan gain to strengthen democracy and foster unity.
