society
Democracy or Deception? What History Tells Us About Nigeria’s Elections
Democracy or Deception? What History Tells Us About Nigeria’s Elections.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by Saharaweeklyng.com
Voting is a right, but forgetting the past ensures every election repeats old betrayals.
Elections in Nigeria are presented as a celebration of democracy, yet for decades, they have been exercises in repetition; repetition of manipulation, deception and selective memory. Citizens cast ballots hoping for change, while history quietly documents patterns of failure, collusion and political opportunism. If Nigeria cannot learn from its electoral past, democracy becomes a performance not a guarantee of accountability.
As Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka warned: “A people who do not know the value of the vote will never know the value of freedom.” Nigeria’s history demonstrates precisely this tension: we claim freedom, yet frequently betray it at the ballot box.
The Historical Pattern.
From independence in 1960, Nigeria’s elections have oscillated between hope and heartbreak:
The First Republic (1960–1966): Elections were competitive but marred by regional favoritism, intimidation and corruption. The manipulation of votes and ethnic patronage contributed to the first coup in 1966.
Second Republic (1979–1983): Civilian governments returned, but elections were again tainted. Rigged ballots, partisan bias and political godfatherism led to mistrust and ultimately another military takeover.
Fourth Republic (1999–present): While ostensibly democratic, elections have repeatedly been marred by vote-buying, intimidation, violence and elite collusion. The annulled June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola, remains a defining moment: the denial of the people’s choice became a national trauma.
Across decades, one pattern is clear: political elites consistently manipulate processes for personal gain, leaving citizens frustrated and suspicious.
Why History Matters in Elections.
Understanding Nigeria’s electoral past is essential for the present:
To Recognize Manipulation: Historical awareness allows citizens to identify tactics used to undermine votes from ballot stuffing to selective counting.
To Resist Ethnic Exploitation: Politicians often frame campaigns in tribal or religious terms. Knowing the disastrous outcomes of past ethno-religious manipulation (including post-election violence) can inoculate voters against repeating these errors.
To Demand Accountability: Citizens who know the consequences of past electoral deception are better positioned to insist on transparent processes and reform.
Political scientist Claude Ake once wrote: “Democracy in Africa is often democracy in name; citizens frequently experience only the ceremonial aspects of the system.” Nigeria exemplifies this.
Modern Electoral Challenges.
Despite technological and procedural improvements, the Fourth Republic continues to struggle:
Electoral Violence: Localized clashes, especially in swing states, often reflect ethnic tensions exploited by politicians.
Vote Buying: Cash and material inducements undermine merit and amplify clientelism.
Electronic Manipulation: New voting technologies are vulnerable to tampering when institutions lack integrity.
Disillusionment: Millions of eligible voters abstain, believing their votes are meaningless, a cycle reinforced by decades of historical precedent.
Without historical literacy, citizens cannot fully grasp how these issues evolved or how to confront them effectively.
Lessons From History.
Nigeria’s electoral failures are not merely procedural; they are moral and civic. Every citizen, leader and institution has a role in breaking the cycle:
Educate the Electorate: Schools, media and civic organizations must teach the history of Nigerian elections, including lessons on manipulation, resistance and reform.
Strengthen Institutions: Independent electoral commissions, judiciary systems and security agencies must be insulated from political interference.
Promote Civic Responsibility: Voting should be framed not just as a right but as a duty to history and future generations. Every vote carries the weight of past mistakes and the promise of future accountability.
Encourage Civil Society Oversight: NGOs, observer missions and grassroots movements play a crucial role in exposing fraud and fostering transparency.
Democracy Without Deception.
True democracy is more than a ballot box; it is an informed electorate, a functioning institutional framework and a culture of accountability. Without these, elections are ceremonial and history repeats itself.
Nigeria has the resources, the intellect, and the resilience to break the cycle, but only if citizens insist that the mistakes of 1960, 1979, 1993 and 2015 are not repeated.
As historian Toyin Falola observed: “Democracy cannot survive where citizens are indifferent to their rights and blind to their history.” Nigeria’s electoral challenge is not lack of laws or technology; it is the collective amnesia of its people.
Final Thoughts.
Every election in Nigeria is a crossroads between hope and historical repetition. Citizens must remember the betrayals of the past, honor the sacrifices of those who fought for free and fair elections and demand systems that protect the sanctity of their vote.
Democracy or Deception. Nigeria must choose. The lessons of history are clear: ignore them and the nation will continue to stumble through cycles of failed promises, ethno-religious manipulation and disenchantment. Heed them and a more accountable, united and prosperous Nigeria is possible.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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