A distinguished group of Nigerian leaders and professionals yesterday offered a stark assessment of the nation’s condition, concluding that Nigeria is underperforming compared to its peers and requires immediate corrective action to prevent further decline.
The concerns were raised at the launch of “In The National Interest: The Road to Nigeria’s Political, Economic and Social Transformation,” authored by Dr. Olu Fasan. The event, held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, drew elder statesmen, policymakers, and industry leaders, including Mr. Sam Amuka; former Finance Minister, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; founding Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Prof. Anya O. Anya; and former Minister of Industry, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi. Others present were former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adeluyi-Adelusi; BusinessDay Publisher, Mr. Frank Aigbogun; and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.
“Nigerians Must Demand Accountability” — Prof. Anya
Chairing the event, Prof. Anya stressed that Nigeria’s struggle with governance stems from its failure to legally uphold the democratic and accountability principles set out in Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution. Although the section outlines the nation’s political, economic, social, and developmental commitments to citizens, it remains non-justiciable, leaving Nigerians unable to seek legal redress when those obligations are unmet.
He noted that despite the nation’s challenges, the turnout at the event renewed his confidence that citizens are still willing to act in the national interest.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic practice over the past 25 years suggests that the country is either confused about the concept of democracy or has redefined it in a way that diverges from globally accepted standards.
Concerns Over 2023 Elections
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Prof. Anya pointed out that although 93 million Nigerians were registered to vote, fewer than one-third participated. Of those who did, only a third supported the candidate eventually declared winner.
He explained:
“A functioning democracy relies on majority support. In this case, for every person who voted for the winner, two voted against. When such a scenario emerges, it typically prompts a shift from partisan politics to prioritising national interest.”
He argued that outcomes of this nature often require greater political inclusiveness—potentially even a runoff election—to align leadership with democratic principles.
Prof. Anya further noted that the current administration was formed through a process that left out a significant majority of voters, a situation he believes complicates governance and undermines national cohesion.
