Media practitioners, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Nigerian voters hold a collective duty to guarantee transparent and credible general elections in 2027, according to Professor Sylvester Akhaine of Lagos State University (LASU).
Professor Akhaine, a renowned political scientist and democracy advocate, made the remarks on Wednesday, July 22, while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Annual Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Ikeja, Lagos. The event was organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) under the theme “Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections.”
Speaking to an audience of veteran journalists, civil society leaders, and political stakeholders, Akhaine emphasized that the success of Nigeria’s electoral democracy hinges on the integrity and active collaboration of these three key pillars.
While INEC manages election administration, the press must inform citizens and hold officials accountable, while voters must actively protect their mandate against vote-buying and intimidation.
Akhaine warned against systemic threats such as “state capture,” deep-seated insecurity, money politics, and the erosion of institutional trust that currently challenge Nigeria’s democratic process.
Drawing lessons from the Second Republic and the governance era of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, the political scientist urged a return to public-interest journalism and issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
