Prominent economist and founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces grave danger due to widespread public loss of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.
Speaking during a policy dialogue on governance accountability, Peterside lamented that Nigerians no longer believe in the integrity of the electoral process, arguing that both INEC and the courts have failed to uphold fairness in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.
According to him, “The greatest threat to Nigeria today is not inflation or insecurity — it is the collapse of confidence in our electoral and judicial systems. People no longer believe their votes count, and when they go to court, they see technicalities used to suppress justice.”
He described INEC’s handling of the 2023 elections as “a national disgrace,” accusing it of selective transparency and inconsistent enforcement of rules. Peterside said that democracy cannot thrive where institutions are captured or where outcomes are predetermined.
He also criticised the judiciary for what he called “judgments that defy logic and mock public perception of justice.” Peterside called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to initiate a national conversation on electoral reform and judicial independence to restore legitimacy.
Several civil society organisations echoed his sentiments, warning that voter apathy could deepen ahead of the 2027 elections unless bold reforms are introduced.
