Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has raised alarm over the worsening state of democracy in West Africa, citing governance failures and ineffective leadership as key drivers of the region’s instability.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, organized by Yiaga Africa, Jega linked the resurgence of military coups to deep-rooted corruption and self-serving political elites.
He pointed to recent takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger as evidence of growing public dissatisfaction, blaming leaders who have turned public resources into personal wealth while neglecting citizens’ needs.
“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 these democratic failures have fueled military interventions, threatening regional stability.
“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,” he cautioned.
He criticized elections in the region as mere tools for power retention rather than genuine democratic processes, adding that identity politics—driven by ethnic and religious manipulation—has further divided societies.
Calling for urgent reforms, Jega emphasized strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing accountability, and ensuring that elections truly reflect the people’s will. He urged civil society organizations to step up efforts in resisting democratic decline.
“Citizens and credible CSOs must continue to mobilize effectively for credible and sustainable democratic development,” he urged.
With West Africa at a crossroads, Jega’s warning underscores the urgent need for leadership committed to true democratic progress.
Comments