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.

Bullion Records Breaks Into Nigeria’s Top 3 Record Labels, Shaking Up Afrobeats Powerhouses

The Nigerian music industry continues to dominate Africa and the global stage, powered by some of the most influential record labels on the continent. For years, names like Mavin Records, YBNL Nation, Chocolate City, DMW (Davido Music Worldwide), and Spaceship Records have been at the forefront of shaping Afrobeats and nurturing international stars.

From 2023 to 2025, however, a new force has joined the league of top record labels in Nigeria—Bullion Records, under its visionary CEO, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.

Founded to empower Nigerian youths through music and creativity, Bullion Records has quickly become a rising giant in the entertainment industry. The label has made headlines with groundbreaking signings, music tours across Africa and Europe, and chart-topping releases.

Speaking about the label’s ambition, Ambassador Ajadi noted that Bullion Records was built to “create a platform where young Nigerian talents can thrive, compete globally, and contribute meaningfully to the creative economy.”

Bullion Records’ Impact

In just a few years (2023–2025), the label has:

Signed promising Afrobeats artists who are gaining recognition both locally and internationally.

Supported music tours across the UK, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, and Mozambique, showcasing Nigerian sound to the world.

Invested heavily in music production, media promotion, and artist development, positioning itself as a serious competitor to established record labels.

Rising Among Nigeria’s Best

Industry observers have now started listing Bullion Records among the top record labels in Nigeria, alongside Mavin, YBNL, and DMW. This recognition reflects the label’s dedication to professionalism, talent management, and international collaborations.

About Bullion Records

Bullion Records is a UK-Nigerian-owned entertainment company founded by Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo. The label is committed to discovering, nurturing, and promoting young music talents, contributing to Nigeria’s global music dominance.

As the Nigerian music industry continues to grow, Bullion Records has positioned itself as one of the most promising and impactful record labels in Nigeria—ready to take African sound to the world stage.

AIYEDATIWA HAILS PROPHET OJO’S SPIRITUAL IMPACT AT 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM APOSTOLIC REVIVAL MINISTRY.

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated the Founder of Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry and Ori Oke-Ogo, Asejire, Ibadan, Prophet Samuel Adebayo Ojo, popularly known as Baba Authority, on the occasion of the Church’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, who represented Governor Aiyedatiwa, described Prophet Ojo as “a vessel of divine purpose whose unwavering faith and prophetic ministry have inspired millions and strengthened the spiritual fabric of the nation.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that Prophet Ojo’s consistency in spreading the gospel, mentoring young ministers, and promoting moral revival aligns with the values of discipline, faith, and service that are essential to nation-building. He emphasized that men of God like Baba Authority have played pivotal roles in shaping communities through prayers, guidance, and acts of compassion.

The Governor also used the occasion to urge religious leaders to continue fostering peace, unity, and moral rebirth among Nigerians, adding that the state government remains committed to building an environment where both spiritual and social development can thrive.

While commending the Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry for its 20 years of unbroken growth and service, Aiyedatiwa prayed for greater grace, wisdom, and strength for Prophet Ojo and his congregation to continue their divine assignment in the years ahead.

The anniversary celebration drew clerics, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country, all gathered to honor Prophet Ojo’s two decades of impactful ministry and enduring faith in the service of God and humanity.