Professor Eugenia George-Genyi from the Political Science Department at Benue State University, Makurdi, has spoken out about the lack of true democracy in Nigeria, warning that the country needs serious reforms to achieve good governance.
She shared her thoughts during a paper presentation at the 5th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Political Science Association, held at the Federal University in Lokoja. The conference’s theme was “Democracy and Good Governance: Efforts, Results, and The Way Forward,” and it brought together experts and scholars to discuss ways to improve Nigeria’s political system.
Professor George-Genyi, who calls democracy the best form of government, explained that the challenges Nigeria faces in achieving true democracy include issues like electoral malpractice, insecurity, and corruption within the judiciary.
“We have no alternative to democracy, and it must be protected at all costs. Failure to practice true democracy has hurt Nigeria’s ability to achieve good governance,” she said. “However, we must also make sure we do not allow military rule to return.”
She called for a change in attitudes, especially when it comes to elections. “To build true democracy, we need to improve how we conduct elections,” she emphasized. “We must avoid things like ballot box snatching, violence, and fake election results.”
Professor George-Genyi also recommended liberal democracy as the best system because it guarantees citizens’ rights and ensures everyone has a voice in how the country is governed. “Liberal democracy promotes equality and justice for all citizens, and it encourages participation in government,” she said. She added that improvements in election processes, better security, and an independent judiciary are all crucial for making democracy work in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo, Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University in Vom, Plateau State, who was represented by Dr. Adebola Bakari, echoed the importance of the conference theme, saying it would help Nigerians better understand what needs to be done to build a true democracy and ensure good governance.
“We must all work together—citizens and government alike—to bring about the changes that will improve our lives and our country’s future,” he said.
Professor Abubakar Olarenwaju Sulaiman, Chairman of the event and Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja, also spoke out about the state of Nigerian democracy. Represented by Professor Nuhu Yakubu, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, he expressed concerns over electoral fraud and called on the government to embrace a more inclusive, liberal approach to democracy.
“What we have today is not true democracy in Nigeria,” he said. “Without real democracy, we cannot have good governance, and that is something we must fix.”
The experts at the conference agreed that, for Nigeria to thrive as a democratic nation, leaders and citizens must work together to make the necessary changes and ensure that the country’s political system benefits everyone.
