By Our Correspondent
Former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega has urged Nigerian politicians to abandon the long-standing “do-or-die” approach to elections, warning that desperation for power continues to undermine the country’s democratic progress. He stressed that politics should be driven by service, credibility, and respect for democratic principles rather than personal ambition.
Jega emphasized that elections must not be treated as contests of survival but as legitimate processes for choosing capable leaders. According to him, the pursuit of power at all costs often leads to violence, manipulation, and a breakdown of public trust in the electoral system. He called on political actors to embrace integrity, transparency, and accountability in their conduct.
Beyond individual behavior, Jega highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework. He noted that credible elections are the foundation of good governance and that improving transparency and accountability will help restore confidence in the system.
He also encouraged citizens to take responsibility by actively participating in elections and supporting leaders with proven character and competence. In his view, safeguarding democracy is a shared duty that requires commitment from both political leaders and the electorate.
