Akume warns Nigeria must address electoral system corruption to protect democracy

George Akume, Nigeria's Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has called for urgent action to combat corruption within the country's electoral framework. Speaking at a public lecture held Thursday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Akume stressed that systemic dishonesty in election management poses a direct threat to democratic stability and citizen faith in the electoral process.

Akume acknowledged Nigeria's democratic achievements since the return to civilian rule in 1999, noting the country has conducted eight consecutive general elections and managed peaceful transfers of power between political parties. However, he cautioned that these gains remain fragile without decisive steps to strengthen the integrity of electoral administration. The lecture was held as part of activities marking Democracy Day 2026.

The Secretary stressed that corruption within electoral processes continues to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions. He called for comprehensive electoral reforms designed to rebuild trust among Nigerians in how elections are managed and conducted. Akume also urged citizens to take active roles in defending democratic institutions, pointing to ongoing challenges including corruption and ethnic divisions that threaten national cohesion.

Electoral integrity has been a recurring concern in Nigeria's political discourse, with previous election cycles drawing scrutiny over process management and transparency. The sources reviewed do not specify which aspects of electoral administration Akume identified as most vulnerable to corruption or which reforms he advocated for most strongly.