Economy
Stakeholders Urges Electoral Reforms To Curb Godfatherism, Strengthen Integrity
Stakeholders Urges Electoral Reforms To Curb Godfatherism, Strengthen Integrity
Stakeholders urges electoral reforms to curb godfatherism, strengthen integrity. An Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officer uses a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine during the general election in Ibadan, Oyo State February 25, 2023.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral reform processes have called for urgent action to eliminate godfatherism and strengthen the country’s electoral integrity.
Speaking at the subnational strengthening democracy conference held in Lagos on Thursday, the stakeholders noted that weak electoral integrity and godfatherism undermine democratic foundations.
The conference, with the theme “Pathway to good governance and political integrity” organised through a partnership between Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), brought together diverse stakeholders from academia, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional leaders, and governance experts to assess democratic progress and propose actionable reforms at the subnational level.
The conference highlighted how political godfatherism, electoral fraud, and weak institutions erode free and fair elections, discourage credible leadership, and diminish public trust in the electoral process.
Itia Otabor, director of strategy at the Centre LSD, called for the strengthening of democratic institutions at the subnational level.
especially after the national conference due to the decay in democratic values in recent times.
Otabor expressed concern over weak institutions, poor internal party structures, and the lack of ideological consistency among political parties.
He noted that without strong democratic institutions and well-structured parties, Nigeria’s democracy would remain unstable.
Asekere Olujoke, a senior lecturer in the department of mass communication at the Yaba College of Technology, stressed that while credible and peaceful elections are essential for democracy, they are not enough.
“One key determinant of a flourishing democracy is the quality of institutions,” Olujoke said.
“Institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, the police, and other law enforcement agencies must be strengthened to ensure independence, efficiency, and accountability.
“These institutions must be capable of guaranteeing rights and checking abuse of office without fear or favour.
“For instance, the national assembly can pass legislation to grant financial autonomy to these institutions, ensuring that they are not beholden to the executive arm of government.
“These institutions should have financial adequacy and autonomy without strings attached. Attached to this is the appointment of commissioners of INEC.
“Such appointment must be transparent, and senatorial approval must be based on integrity and expertise. Operational autonomy and accountability mechanisms of these institutions are key to strengthening democracy.”
She called for legislative action to grant financial autonomy to electoral and judicial institutions to free them from executive interference.
Olujoke further emphasised that appointments to INEC’s leadership must be transparent, with senate approvals based strictly on integrity and expertise.
She also underscored the need for greater citizen participation in the democratic process, advocating for voter education, mobilisation, and increased civic engagement to promote informed electoral choices.
Kunle Adegoke, a senioir advocate of Nigeria (SAN), noted the crucial role of stakeholders, CSOs, the media, security agencies, political parties, and INEC, in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
He highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding electoral laws and ensuring justice in election disputes.
“A compromised judiciary is an albatross to the dispensation of justice,” he warned.
“It must be shielded from political interference to maintain public confidence in the system.
Stakeholders Urges Electoral Reforms
“The judiciary is key to guaranteeing effective mass mobilization and oversight, as it is the organ of government that can keep politicians and other political actors in check.”
On the role of security agencies, Adegoke stressed that their duty is to prevent electoral fraud, voter impersonation, ballot stuffing, and other forms of manipulation.
Adegoke noted that security agencies have often failed in this regard and called for urgent reforms to ensure they uphold electoral integrity rather than serve political interests.
Sylvester Odion Akhaine, a pro-democracy advocate and governance expert, described godfatherism as a major obstacle to credible elections, stressing that political parties must prioritise internal democracy.
“When a few powerful individuals determine who gets elected, democracy becomes a façade rather than a system that reflects the will of the people,” he stated.
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC sets to run three Lagos–Ibadan train trips Monday. He assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by NRC chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
He said the additional trip was in response to high passenger turnout during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.
“The extra trip is aimed at easing passenger movement and providing more travel options for commuters returning after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“Under the schedule, departures from Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m., and 4.00 p.m.
“From Ibadan (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), trains will depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m., and 4.30 p.m.,” he said.
Mr Unyimadu assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
He advised travellers to arrive early, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys.
“The corporation appreciates the continued patronage of its services and wishes all passengers a safe and pleasant journey,” he added.
UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa
United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) and British International Investment plc (“BII”), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced that they have signed a letter of intent to develop trade finance collaboration opportunities.
The proposed initiative aims to expand access to trade and working capital facilities for businesses operating across Africa.
Access to trade finance remains one of the most significant structural constraints on African trade. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are frequently unable to secure letters of credit, guarantees, and supply chain finance on commercially viable terms, limiting their capacity to export and import competitively. This trade finance gap is estimated by the African Development Bank to be over USD 80 billion annually.
To help close this gap, UBA UK, the London subsidiary of UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank, will leverage its deep relationships across the Group’s 20-country African network to originate and structure trade finance transactions. While BII, with a mandate to support productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Africa, can support transactions that might otherwise fall outside conventional commercial appetite.
“The signing of this letter with BII represents a landmark moment for UBA UK and for the UBA Group’s global ambitions. As the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, UBA UK is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with the international financial system. Working alongside BII, we can extend that capability further — mobilising capital where it matters most and helping to close the trade finance gap that holds back so much African potential,” said Lok Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK
“British International Investment is committed to catalysing private sector growth across Africa, and trade finance is a critical enabler of that growth. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UBA Group, whose pan-African network and deep institutional relationships can help advance our ambition to expand access to trade and working capital finance, particularly in frontier markets,” Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa
The announcement builds on growing momentum around intra-African trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021 and represents one of the world’s most significant trade integration initiatives. Both institutions have identified the operationalisation of AfCFTA as a priority catalyst for a trade finance facility, with UBA UK’s network across major AfCFTA economies offering a basis for supporting businesses navigating the emerging continental market.
This also complements the UK Government’s broader engagement with African economic development, including commitments made at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, and reinforces the City of London’s role as a leading international finance centre for Africa-focused capital mobilisation.
Future cooperation remains subject to further assessment, due diligence and the completion of internal approvals by both parties.
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UK) LIMITED
UBA UK is the London-based subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with operations across 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA UK serves as the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, providing a comprehensive suite of trade finance, treasury, and correspondent banking services to institutional and corporate clients worldwide.
UBA
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA GROUP
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
ABOUT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.
Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development.
The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.
The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.
He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.
“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”
The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.
He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.
Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.
The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.
Tinubu
He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.
Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.
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