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    HomePoliticsElectoral fraud, Nigeria’s biggest democratic threat, says Nzeako

    Electoral fraud, Nigeria’s biggest democratic threat, says Nzeako

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    Constitutional lawyer and public affairs analyst, Fred Nzeako, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces its gravest danger not from political defections, but from electoral fraud, constitutional breaches, and waning public confidence.

    Speaking on ARISE News, Nzeako said restoring credibility to the electoral process is “far more urgent” than lamenting politicians crossing party lines.

    “What is primary in any democracy is integrity—integrity and nothing else,” he said. “Nigerians are still disillusioned after the 2023 elections. INEC overpromised and underdelivered, especially with the result viewing portal.”

    He noted that while Professor Joachim Amupitan’s appointment as INEC Chairman is constitutionally valid, Nigerians will judge him by his handling of the upcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 8.

    “His performance in Anambra will determine how much public trust can be restored before 2027,” he said.

    Nzeako warned that voter apathy remains a national crisis, with barely 27% turnout in the last general election.

    “If 90 million register and only 20 million vote, then the majority aren’t choosing their leaders. That’s a democracy of the minority,” he stated.

    He called electoral fraud “the worst crime against democracy,” adding that “the voter’s thumb is stronger than the barrel of any gun.”

    On the wave of political defections, Nzeako said most were driven by selfish interests, not ideology.

    “Section 68 of the Constitution is clear—if you leave the party through which you were elected, your seat should be declared vacant. But leaders ignore this when defections favour their side. That’s hypocrisy and a breach of law,” he said.

    However, he argued that if the ruling APC uses its dominance to implement constitutional reforms—such as ensuring local government autonomy—the current political realignments might yield positive outcomes.

    “With their majority, can they finally fix the system?” he asked. “If they use power for reform, that will be a good outcome from all this movement.”

    He lamented Nigeria’s leadership failures, saying: “With our human and natural resources, the world expects better from us. If Nigeria rises, Africa rises. But if Nigeria stumbles, Africa stumbles.”

    Nzeako also supported former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for youth inclusion in governance, urging deliberate efforts to mentor young and female leaders.

    “You don’t gain leadership by sitting idle. Out of 100 youths, at least 20 will excel if given a chance. The same goes for women—they’ve proven themselves wherever given responsibility,” he said.

    On Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive that his commissioners wear caps bearing President Tinubu’s insignia, Nzeako called it “inverse patriotism.”

    “That’s not patriotism, that’s embarrassment,” he said. “Patriotism isn’t about a cap; it’s about conduct.”

    He concluded: “Let’s move past political symbols and focus on substance—credibility, conscience, and commitment to the people’s will. 2027 is ours to shape.”

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