Electoral Reform, Accountability Critical to Tackling Nigeria’s Security Challenges – Ex-Senate President Saraki
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that meaningful electoral reform, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are critical to addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Saraki highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that elected officials are accountable to the people.
Speaking during a panel session at The Platform, hosted by The Covenant Nation in Lagos, the former Kwara State governor addressed concerns about insecurity and the use of security votes by state governments, arguing that while governors have a responsibility to protect lives and property, the country’s security challenges stem from deeper structural issues that go beyond funding.
“I want us to look at it as a reflection of the system that we have presently. I want to go back to two issues: the rule of law and the process by which we elect leaders into the country,” he said.
Saraki asserted that many elected officials do not feel sufficiently accountable to citizens because of weaknesses in the electoral process, which he said often leaves voters feeling powerless.
“For as long as we have the kind of electoral process that we have now, where elected officials believe that they only need so few people to vote, accountability will remain a challenge,” he stated.
Saraki noted that while security votes have come under increasing scrutiny, the debate should not be limited to whether such funds should exist. “In reality, at the end of the day, it is not just the funding. Some of these fundamental issues must be addressed,” he said.
He maintained that the issue is part of a broader governance challenge involving transparency, accountability, and the enforcement of the rule of law.
The former Senate President also stressed that impunity remains a major obstacle to effective governance and security, arguing that the absence of consequences for misconduct encourages poor performance across institutions.
Speaking on calls for state police and broader security sector reforms, Saraki stated that any solution must be accompanied by mechanisms that ensure accountability and prevent abuse.
He also urged Nigerians to hold leaders at all levels of government accountable, noting that state governments have received significantly increased revenues in recent years and should be expected to deliver improved governance and security outcomes.
He further called for reforms that would strengthen electoral integrity, reinforce the rule of law, and ensure that public officials remain accountable to citizens, describing such measures as essential to building a safer and more effective Nigerian state.
