Oyo Government Seeks Electoral, Institutional Reforms to Deepen Democracy
The Oyo State Government has called for comprehensive electoral and institutional reforms as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, enhance good governance and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, made the call while delivering a Lecture at the University of Ibadan, titled: Twenty Seven Years of Democracy in Nigeria and Lessons Learned in Leadership and Governance.
Lawal said Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule remains a remarkable national achievement but stressed that democratic consolidation requires more than periodic elections, insisting that the country’s democratic journey must be anchored on accountable leadership, strong institutions and service to the people.
According to the deputy governor, Nigeria’s democracy will only attain its full potential when leaders place service, accountability and institutional integrity above the quest for political power.
Barrister Lawal advocated stronger institutional independence, maintaining that the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other democratic institutions must be insulated from political interference to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour.
