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2027 Elections: Experts Decry Leadership Failure, Chart Way Forward at SWEGOP Anniversary
• EFCC, ICPC strong in law, weak in action – Akande
• Online publishers must rescue Nigeria’s democracy – Farounbi
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, prominent voices in media, governance, and civil society have expressed concern over the country’s deepening leadership deficit, warning that continued public distrust, systemic corruption, and elite capture could threaten democratic consolidation.
The alarm was sounded on Wednesday at the 9th Anniversary Lecture and Award Ceremony of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State. The event drew a cross-section of journalists, academics, diplomats, and public policy experts who gathered to reflect on the theme of good governance and national rescue.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Adeolu Akande, a respected journalist, editor, and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Idowu Johnson presented a critical evaluation of Nigeria’s governance architecture, warning that the country has been “captured by the bourgeoisie,” leaving democratic ideals hollow and leadership without legitimacy.
“The Nigerian state has been hijacked by an elite class whose primary interest is accumulation and self-preservation,” Johnson said. “Until we address this structural distortion, we cannot talk about good governance, justice, or national development.”
He noted that more than sixty years after independence, millions of Nigerians still lack access to basic social services such as education, healthcare, housing, and food. Johnson recalled a time in the 1970s when modest salaries could afford decent living and personal growth, contrasting it with today’s harsh economic realities.
According to him, Nigeria’s progressive decline in service delivery is evident in the education sector, where PhD tuition at the University of Ibadan has risen from ₦19,000 in 2003 to over ₦300,000 in recent years, while academic staff salaries have barely moved. This, he said, has made education inaccessible to many and worsened the brain drain.
Johnson described the state of healthcare as equally worrisome, recalling how Lagos once had functional and free primary healthcare centres during his childhood. He lamented that the collapse of such essential systems has pushed the country deeper into poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
The speaker identified corruption, lack of accountability, money politics, ethno-religious manipulation, and abuse of the rule of law as major barriers to good governance. He criticized the failure of anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC, noting that despite having strong legal frameworks, they remain weak in execution and selective in enforcement.
“Impunity thrives because nobody has been punished. Those who destroyed the economy still walk free and even contest elections. The institutions exist, but they lack political will and courage,” Johnson said.
The Don stressed that the 2027 elections represent a critical opportunity to reform Nigeria’s democratic process and rebuild public trust. Among his recommendations were electoral reforms, including electronic transmission of results, recovery of looted funds, institutional strengthening, and the enforcement of campaign finance laws.
Johnson also challenged journalists and citizens to go beyond commentary and actively participate in politics. “Why can’t media professionals or the average Nigerian run for governor or president?” he asked. “Because politics has been monetized. A governorship race can cost up to ₦50 billion—this must change.”
Earlier in his welcome address, SWEGOP President, Pastor Bisi Oladele, described the lecture as a timely intervention to address the widening gap of trust between government and the governed. The ex-Nation Newspaper Southwest Bureau Chief said SWEGOP remains committed to professionalising online journalism, defending press freedom, and promoting civic education.
“We are building a Guild that holds power accountable and empowers the people,” Oladele said. “We want to transform online publishing in Nigeria into a credible, ethical, and development-focused sector.”
Also speaking, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and veteran journalist, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, underscored the media’s central role in shaping the nation’s democratic future. He urged online publishers to become watchdogs of democracy by fact-checking claims, investigating corruption, and tracking campaign promises.
“You cannot recycle the same politicians and expect different results,” Farounbi said. “Online media must educate the masses, mobilise the youth, and expose the rot in the system. That is the only way to reclaim Nigeria.”
He also emphasized the need to amplify the voices of minority groups, women, and the opposition, while discouraging hate speech and promoting issue-based campaigns that strengthen national unity.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Awowole Brown, representing Alhaji Aliko Dangote, commended SWEGOP for its resilience and reaffirmed Dangote Group’s support for independent media. He acknowledged the financial struggles faced by journalists and praised their continued commitment to public interest.
“Despite poor remuneration and hostile working conditions, journalists remain undeterred. Their contributions are invaluable, and as a brand, we recognise their growing influence and integrity,” Brown stated.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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