Professor Sylvester Akhaine of Lagos State University asserts that the press, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the electorate must collaborate to guarantee the integrity of the 2027 general elections. Delivering the keynote at the 4th Annual Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Ikeja, he emphasized that these three pillars are essential to the democratic health of the nation.
Addressing the event organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Akhaine critiqued the current political environment, citing issues such as state capture, reliance on local vigilantes, and a growing disconnect between the public and government institutions. He noted that despite the historical tradition of a libertarian press in Nigeria, the media currently struggles against misinformation and digital manipulation.
Regarding electoral administration, the professor observed that Nigeria’s election management bodies still struggle with institutional independence. He referenced a history of flawed electoral cycles since 1999, suggesting that previous exercises failed to meet international standards of transparency. To improve future outcomes, he advocated for the implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais report, specifically shifting the authority to appoint INEC leadership away from the presidency.
Akhaine concluded by calling for robust voter education to combat vote-buying and urged the media to remain a watchdog for democracy. Additionally, attendees at the ceremony proposed renaming Lagos State University in honor of the late former governor and education advocate, Lateef Jakande.
