Jega reiterates poor governance, ineffective leadership trigger military coups in ECOWAS countries
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega has warned that democracy in Nigeria and across West Africa is deteriorating due to poor governance and ineffective leadership.
Jega linked governance failures to the resurgence of military coups in the region when he spoke at the “Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa,” organised in Abuja by Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO).
He cited recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger as evidence of growing public dissatisfaction, attributing them to the actions of political leaders who prioritise personal gain over public service.
“The so-called elected representatives of the people have essentially converted public resources into personal fortunes at the expense of citizens’ needs and aspirations,” he said.
Jega warned that democratic setbacks caused by governance failures have provided justification for military interventions, posing a significant threat to stability in West Africa.
“These persistent challenges have given coupists the excuses needed to stage a comeback – a dangerous phenomenon that could engulf the region and accelerate democratic backsliding unless addressed decisively and urgently.
“Elections became largely farcical rituals designed to ensure the retention of the incumbent President and party.
Jega also highlighted the dangers of identity politics, arguing that ethnic and religious divisions have been weaponised by politicians to maintain control, further destabilising the region.
“Multiparty politics, circumscribed by negative identity mobilisation, has been fractious, conflict-ridden, often violent, and divisive, rather than accommodative or unifying.”
Jega sought urgent reforms, stressing the need to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance accountability, and ensure that elections genuinely reflect the people’s will.
To resist democratic decline, he reiterated that “citizens and credible CSOs must continue to mobilise effectively for credible and sustainable democratic development.”
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