…Democracy backsliding, calls for urgent reforms
A political economist, Patrick Utomi, has raised fresh concerns over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, warning that recent developments in the polity could undermine the country’s electoral integrity and stability.
Utomi, who spoke on behalf of a coalition including the Big Tent Concerned Professionals, the Restoration Group and the Movement for Credible Elections, said actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have heightened fears about the credibility of future elections.
He stated this in a statement to the media on Saturday.
“I feel quite sad that I have to address you again on matters bordering on national crisis in the polity that threatens the peace and good government of Nigeria,” he said.
Utomi added that the urgent need to save Nigeria became a matter of distressing urgency,” following concerns over developments within the electoral system.
He cited the removal of names of key officials of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from INEC’s portal as an example of what he called “a pattern of destabilisation of political parties,” stressing that many Nigerians are lamenting that Nigeria was on the brink again, because of the ambition of a few.
Referencing past struggles, Utomi said, “many of my colleagues in previous national emancipation struggles quickly met and decided the current threat to democracy is more grave than the previous ones.”
According to him, the situation has contributed to public disillusionment. “These have created despondency among many and voter apathy across the country,” he stated.
The coalition also alleged that key democratic institutions are being compromised.
“We are here alerting Nigerians to a pattern of destabilisation of political parties with the use of judiciary capture, the reducing of INEC to an extension of the APC and manipulation of the security of the vote,” he said.
Utomi warned of the implications for governance, stating that “many are convinced we are on a march towards totalitarianism and one-man rule.”
He cautioned about the consequences of inaction, noting that frustrations from the state of the nation can lead to a descent into anarchy if people are provoked into sparks of social uprisings we can ill afford.
Calling for electoral reforms, he said, “the replacement law should include automatic electronic transmission to show the will to have free and fair elections.”
On voter revalidation, he argued that the nature of voters registration since 2010 make that unnecessary except as a ploy to ‘invalidate’ voters.
Utomi also demanded changes within INEC, saying, “we have seen enough in a short time to call for the resignation of the current INEC… the current chairman does not enjoy the confidence of the people.
He urged civic action across professional groups.
“All professionals… must begin to call out their members who appear complicit… and call people out to march in protest and use mass boycotts to enthrone the will of the people.”
Drawing historical parallels, he warned, “there is nothing new under the sun,it is helpful to review historical parallels and the consequences of those experiences.”
He added that “what separates failing states from flourishing nations are the strength of their institutions and values,” cautioning that Nigeria must avoid a similar path.
On the economy, Utomi said, “we have been falling deeper and deeper into debt… as if we are in a debt Ponzi scheme, adding that “misery dominates our land, widows are crushed children are eating off trash bins.”
The statement concluded with a call for collective action, with Utomi declaring that “we have come to recognize that to save our democracy is a task that must be done.
“We are therefore calling on all to join hands and save Nigeria.”
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