Renowned International Law scholar, Prof. Akin Oyebode, on Tuesday attributed Nigeria’s woes to the lack of committed democrats, saying Nigeria’s political system was a “plutocracy rather than a democracy.”
Oyebode spoke in Lagos during a programme titled, “Public discourse on political campaigns and the looming Tsunami of poverty in Nigeria,” which was organised by Academics Stand against Poverty.
The renowned lawyer said although the Electoral Act sets a limit of N1bn for presidential election expenses and N200m for governorship election, many political parties did not adhere to the provisions.
He said, “Regrettably, all these contributions aimed at transparency and good electoral practice have been rendered little more than paper tigers as there are widespread reports of contributions of humongous sums by individuals, unnamed friends and cronies of some political parties far off the limits prescribed under the Electoral Act.”
Oyebode called for a strict regulation of the financing of political programmes, saying the Independent National Electoral Commission must prevent rigging and selling of votes to “the highest bidders,” who do not have the plight of the masses at heart.
He added, “Indeed, it is no exaggeration that democracy, as we have it, seems to be operated by those who are really not convinced or committed democrats and who do not give a damn about the triumph of the popular will over arbitrariness and chicanery.
“The rising incidence of poverty among the people is such that many see the oncoming elections as a chance to alter their existential circumstances despite all the limitations.”
sources: punchng
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