Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently highlighted the broader purpose of elections during an interview on Symfoni TV.
Speaking on Nigeria’s democratic experience, Igini emphasized that elections are not an end in themselves but a means to achieving national development.
He discussed the legal and institutional framework guiding elections in Nigeria, particularly the role of constitutional provisions affecting the independence of electoral bodies. He referenced debates within the legal and political community about how certain provisions influence the functioning of INEC and the democratic process. In explaining this context, Igini pointed to the involvement of legal professionals in shaping electoral laws and institutional arrangements.
In his statement, he said, “We forgot that election is just a process. The ultimate goal is development. But we seem to be stuck in the issue of elections that appears to be where we are at the moment. When you have a provision which, regrettably, was brought about by my constituency.
I once made the point that if Nigeria will die, it will die because of we lawyers, both the bar and the bench because, SECTION 160, in 2010 when we came on board, subjected INEC to the control of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria. We wrote a memo to Mr. President Good Luck Jonathan whose voting for due process and democracy was very clear.
... If Nigeria Will Die, It Will Die Because Of We Lawyers, Both The Bar And The Bench- Mike Igini ... Sportify Post.