…Calls for Integrity-Driven Reforms Intensify Ahead of Elections
By Adeola Badru

IBADAN — Ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders have raised concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s leadership selection process, warning that failure to rigorously vet political aspirants could jeopardize the nation’s democracy.

Renowned Islamic scholar and founder of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Olagoke, emphasized the need for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s leadership recruitment.

Speaking at the 3rd annual Jagaban TV Ramadan Lecture held at Jagaban TV Studio, Baba Ijesha, Ibadan, he warned that the country’s democratic challenges stem from a persistent failure to examine the character, background, and integrity of political aspirants.

The lecture, themed “Encouraging Ethical Governance and Personal Accountability in Both Public and Private Sectors,” focused on “Integrity and Leadership: Lessons from the Prophets.”

“Our process of choosing leaders is faulty. We do not examine personality traits or formative experiences. Until we revisit it, we will continue to hand leadership to individuals whose true character emerges only after they assume office,” Olagoke said.

He further noted that democracy, though admirable in principle, is vulnerable in societies lacking discipline, justice, and moral restraint, citing Socrates’ warning that unrestricted freedom without structure undermines effective governance.

Olagoke also highlighted Nigeria’s vast natural resources, arguing that mismanagement and a deficit of integrity have hindered national progress.

Earlier, Samuel Oluwaseun Adenitan, founder and Executive Director of Jagaban Communications, emphasized the importance of integrity, strategic leadership, and collective responsibility to Nigeria’s advancement.

“Nigeria can rise, Nigeria can prosper, Nigeria can lead — but only through integrity, accountability, strategic leadership, and collective responsibility,” Adenitan said.

He also called for reforms in national security, foreign policy, crime prevention, and the electoral system, advocating for technologically advanced voting systems to enhance transparency and curb electoral manipulation. Adenitan suggested that Nigeria’s multiparty political structure may require restructuring into a strong two-party system with clear ideologies to promote accountability and stability.

“When we prioritise economic reforms, industrial development, youth empowerment, agricultural advancement, and local production, our currency will grow stronger, the economy will become competitive, and our people will prosper,” he added.

The lecture underscored a growing call among civil society and faith leaders for integrity-driven leadership reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.