By SUNTV Global Channel
June 28, 2026
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer Femi Falana has warned that Nigeria’s democracy will remain ineffective as long as elections are influenced by vote-buying rather than the genuine will of the people.
Falana made the remarks while delivering a lecture titled “2027: Building a Nation Where No Man Is Oppressed” at an event held in honour of the late Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun, one of Nigeria’s foremost advocates for constitutional democracy and civil liberties.
According to him, although Nigeria has conducted regular elections since returning to democratic rule, persistent allegations of vote-buying, electoral manipulation, abuse of incumbency and post-election disputes continue to undermine public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
“A democracy in which citizens doubt the effectiveness of their votes cannot fully achieve democratic legitimacy,” Falana said, adding that the slogan “one man, one vote” loses its meaning in a system where votes are purchased by wealthy political actors.
The senior lawyer also argued that the struggle against military rule was not only about securing political freedom but also about ensuring economic justice and improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
He lamented that despite the country’s enormous wealth, millions of Nigerians continue to live in poverty, insisting that democracy cannot thrive where economic growth benefits only a small section of society.
Falana further criticised what he described as a growing culture in which public office is viewed as a means of personal enrichment rather than public service. He also expressed concern over the misuse of regulatory agencies, security institutions and democratic structures, saying such practices continue to weaken public trust in governance.
Calling on Nigerians to hold public officials accountable, Falana urged citizens to make greater use of the Freedom of Information Act to demand transparency in government.
He stressed that the 2027 general elections should represent more than another political exercise, urging Nigerians to see them as an opportunity to strengthen constitutional democracy, restore public confidence in elections and advance the ideals of justice, accountability and good governance.
