Dr. Akinyemi: Nigeria's Democracy Needs Broader Participation

Dr. Akinyemi asserts that the deregistration of political parties in Nigeria is not just an administrative issue but raises significant concerns about the health of democracy, political inclusion, and public confidence in electoral institutions.

He expresses particular worry about the "technical deregistration of voters," where registered citizens must verify their Permanent Voter Cards, suggesting this shifts the responsibility of maintaining a credible voters' register onto the electorate. Akinyemi notes that this process exacerbates the existing trust deficit between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian populace, fostering anxiety about voting rights.

He stresses that democracy thrives on broad participation and that the judiciary must remain independent and trustworthy to uphold justice. Akinyemi also reflects on the broader implications of insecurity and poor governance on the population's ability to exercise their franchise by 2027, questioning the life expectancy and wellbeing of Nigerians in the face of ongoing challenges.