2027 Elections Archives

Crisis of Values: Rethinking Nigeria’s Democracy and Judicial Integrity

In a compelling dialogue at the National Conference on the Future of Democracy in Nigeria, Honorable Dr. Gbenga Olawepo Hashim provided a sobering assessment of the nation’s current political and judicial landscape. His insights challenge the common narrative that Nigeria’s problems are purely economic, suggesting instead that the country is grappling with a profound “poverty of values” that threatens the very foundation of its democratic institutions. The Problem with Institutional Recruitment Dr. Hashim highlighted a critical flaw in the formation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While some recommendations for independence—such as funding via a first-line charge—were accepted during the transition from military rule, the method of recruiting leadership remains a point of contention. He argues that the current system allows the executive to maintain too much control by appointing “dodgy” individuals who are easily manipulated. “When you have a transparent process of recruitment and the person that is being appointed is subjected to public debate, he will hold his loyalty to society rather than to few people who appoint him in government.” [04:46] Material Poverty vs. Poverty of Values One of the most striking parts of the discussion centered on the phenomenon of vote-buying. While many attribute this to the economic hardship facing Nigerians, Dr. Hashim drew a historical parallel to the 1950s to illustrate that integrity is not dictated by wealth. He noted that even when Nigerians were materially poorer, they held their political leaders to higher standards. “It’s not a question of material poverty; it’s about poverty in values. We have to go back and strengthen our value system because it is these intangible things—values, culture—that build society.” [06:01] He further emphasized this point by contrasting the past and present: “In the 50s, if you give them a bag of rice, they will not vote for you. They will still vote for their trusted political leaders. But Nigerians today, some of them who eat rice every day, if you give them a cup of rice, they are ready to vote for you.” [05:51] The Independence of the Judiciary The conversation also turned to the judiciary, an institution often seen as the last hope for the common man. Dr. Hashim expressed concern that while judges are now better compensated than ever before, their independence seems more compromised than it was even under military dictatorship. He suggests that financial corruption has achieved what brute force could not. “What military dictatorship could not do, money corruption is doing now. Judges are now more paid than they have ever been paid… they have no reason not to stand for justice and equity.” [07:21] Looking Toward 2027 As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 elections, the fear of widespread vote-buying looms large. However, Dr. Hashim offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that collective will can override financial manipulation. He believes that if the majority of the population is truly committed to change, the sheer volume of voters will make individual bribes inconsequential. “There will be vote buying, but it’s not going to be consequential if majority of people are ready really to vote for change. You can’t buy millions of people when they are out to really vote.” [06:34] Ultimately, Dr. Hashim’s message is a call to action for all Nigerians to reclaim their cultural and moral values. Without a foundation of integrity, material achievements and institutional structures will continue to crumble under the weight of corruption. Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/Csh7n_qacKE

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No One will Vote for Tinubu in 2027 Elections if…

In a recent hard-hitting interview on Volume with FemiDlive, political activist and commentator Henry Shield delivered a blistering critique of the current Nigerian administration under President Bola Tinubu. The conversation, titled “No One will Vote for Tinubu in 2027 Elections if…”, paints a grim picture of a nation grappling with economic hardship, a perceived decline in democratic values, and a fragmented opposition. The “Emperor” and the Vanishing Rule of Law Shield did not mince words when describing the current state of governance, suggesting that Nigeria is drifting away from democratic ideals toward what he termed an “imperial” style of leadership. He cited recent incidents involving the harassment of journalists and citizens at court premises as evidence of a “non-existent” rule of law. “You are calling him president; I see him as an emperor—His Royal Majesty King Tinubu.” [31:28] The Economic Toll on the Common Citizen The heart of Shield’s grievance lies in the skyrocketing cost of living. He pointed to the dramatic leap in fuel prices—from approximately 145 Naira to 1,000 Naira—as a “shock” that no citizenry should be expected to absorb without significant government accountability. He criticized the government’s focus on paper indices and “theory” while the average Nigerian struggles to afford basic necessities like rice, which has surged toward the 100,000 Naira mark. “The only indices that count in the economy of any nation, the only factor that matters, is the improvement in the lives of the people. Any other thing is paper discussion.” [10:14] A Call for Opposition Sacrifice Looking toward the 2027 elections, Shield expressed deep frustration with the current opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. He argued that their personal ambitions are currently standing in the way of a unified front that could challenge the APC. Shield, who campaigned vigorously for the Atiku-Obi ticket in 2019, lamented their split in 2023 and urged them to prioritize the “larger good” over individual goals. “There is no ambition that is big enough for you, or that is bigger than the interest of the country… they first of all need to save Nigeria from the APC.” [14:42] The Burden of Taxation and Transparency The activist also took aim at proposed new tax policies, arguing that the government has yet to prove it can be a responsible steward of existing resources. He highlighted the lack of transparency in high-profile expenditures, such as the presidential jet and yacht, as reasons why citizens are hesitant to give more. “Taxing is not the first thing. First thing is system… A system that makes it impossible for you to take my money because it’s my tax.” [28:03] The “Defeated” Citizenry Perhaps the most poignant part of the interview was Shield’s reflection on the state of Nigerian activism. He expressed a sense of fatigue, noting that while he is willing to stand his ground, he often finds himself part of a very small group actually willing to “hit the streets.” “I have actually decided to just slow down because I am yet to find Nigerians who reason like citizens. What I see are people who now reason like defeated and conquered citizens.” [06:08] Conclusion Henry Shield’s message is a clarion call for both the leadership and the populace. For the government, it is a warning that economic “baby steps” are resulting in giant leaps of pain for the poor. For the opposition, it is a demand for unity. And for the citizens, it is an invitation to reclaim their voice in a democracy that Shield fears is quickly slipping away. Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/C9a5AgX1jx8