Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine asserts that Nigeria’s democracy is stagnating in contrast to Ghana, highlighting flaws in Nigeria’s electoral processes and governance. He notes the qualitative growth of Ghanaian democracy, ongoing human rights violations, and widespread corruption in Nigeria as structural impediments. Odion-Akhaine urges a reassessment of Nigeria’s political landscape, stressing the need for fundamental reforms to promote true democracy.
Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, a Professor of Political Science and Human Rights Activist, emphasized that Ghana’s democracy has made significant advancements compared to Nigeria over the last two decades. He noted that Ghana has focused on institutional development, with marked improvements in its electoral processes and overall governance. Odion-Akhaine highlighted how institutions such as the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary in Ghana have exhibited resilience and impartiality, setting a standard not seen in Nigeria.
During his presentation at the 103rd Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University, titled “Shifting For Good: The Weapon Of Empiricism In The Disorder Of A Third Wave Of Democracy In Africa,” the Professor stated that while Ghanaian democracy has evolved qualitatively, Nigeria’s democracy has only improved in volume without genuine transformation.
He drew attention to Ghana’s democratic transitions, particularly the peaceful transfer of power across four electoral cycles between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New People’s Party (NPP) since 2000. In contrast, Nigeria has experienced only one significant transition since 2015 from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reflecting Nigeria’s stagnation.
Odion-Akhaine identified several key issues hindering Nigeria’s democratic progress, beginning with a history of fraudulent elections, which he claims have plagued every election since 1999, undermining the consent-based principle of democracy.
He pointed out that even international observers, such as the Commonwealth, have criticized Nigeria’s electoral processes, marking a significant decline in standards, particularly evident in the 2007 elections. The subsequent acknowledgment of this fraud by then-President Yar’Adua led to initiatives aimed at electoral reforms.
The Professor also highlighted the troubling pattern of politically motivated killings and human rights abuses that have characterized successive administrations, mentioning specific tragic events such as the Odi and Zaki Biam massacres. He noted that identity politics is overly influential in Nigeria’s political landscape, affecting voting behaviors.
Furthermore, Odion-Akhaine discussed how ethnic conflicts persist in Nigeria, revealing that ethnic identity has profoundly influenced electoral outcomes. He also criticized the unprecedented mismanagement of public resources, arguing that Nigeria’s economy is largely unproductive and rewarding of laziness.
The ongoing hemorrhaging of the national economy due to corruption among public officials exacerbates the situation. He stated that a significant portion of the national income, over 70 percent, is consumed by recurrent expenditures, hindering capital development. The extensive mismanagement and corruption within political circles continue to plague Nigeria’s potential for development.
In summary, Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine articulates a stark comparison between Ghana and Nigeria’s democratic progress, emphasizing the latter’s stagnation attributed to fraudulent elections, human rights abuses, ethnic conflicts, and financial mismanagement. While Ghana has demonstrated a commitment to institutional integrity and electoral improvement, Nigeria faces significant challenges that undermine its democratic foundation and hamper societal progress.
Original Source: businessday.ng
