...Former INEC Boss Laments Collapse Of Accountability
… Urges visionary, People-Focused Governance
Daud Olatunji
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s democratic stability, warning that poor and self-serving leadership is steadily undermining national progress.
Jega, who spoke as keynote speaker at the 3rd Hybrid Annual National Conference of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, said the absence of responsible and visionary leaders has left the country trapped in cycles of underdevelopment and citizen frustration.
According to him, leadership, democracy, and national development are inseparable pillars of a nation’s progress, but Nigeria’s ruling class has weaponised public office for personal gain.
“Without responsible and visionary leadership, democracy cannot thrive; without democratic principles, leadership risks devolving into authoritarianism,” Jega warned.
He stressed that when leadership and democracy work in harmony, they stimulate socio-economic development. But when in conflict, he noted, they open the door to authoritarian reversals and derail citizens’ aspirations.
The former INEC boss lamented that many Nigerian leaders prioritise amassing wealth instead of serving the people.
He urged the political elite to embrace accountability and selflessness, insisting that “democracy must be about service, not self-enrichment.”
The conference, themed “Leadership, Democracy and Nigeria’s National Development”, attracted top policymakers, academics, and traditional rulers.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, represented by his Commissioner for Education, Malam Wadatau Madawaki, said the gathering offered policymakers a platform to rethink governance and address leadership decay.
The Emir of Kaura Namoda, HRH Major (Dr) Mohammed Ahmad Asha (Rtd), and the Vice Chancellor of FUGUS, Prof. Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau (represented), hailed the conference for its relevance at a time of deep social and security challenges.
Dr. Aminu Idris, Head of the Department of Political Science and host of the event, described the forum as “transformative,” praising the state government for its support.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Comrade Abdulrahman Adamu, however, decried the monetisation of Nigerian politics, saying it continues to deny the nation opportunities for competent and sound leadership.
He stressed: “Until money stops dictating who gets to lead, Nigeria will remain in the grip of corrupt and incompetent rulers.”
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