Nigeria At Dangerous Crossroads, Jega, Gambari, Others Warn
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As concerns mount over Nigeria’s democratic future and worsening security challenges, a group of prominent Nigerians has warned that the country is drifting towards a national crisis fuelled by insecurity, weakened institutions and threats to democratic governance.
In a statement issued in Abuja on June 8, the concerned citizens said Nigeria faces a dangerous convergence of rising insecurity, alleged electoral manipulation and the erosion of democratic institutions, warning that the trend could undermine national stability and survival.
The group argued that the constitutional principle of separation of powers is under severe strain, alleging that the legislature and judiciary have become increasingly vulnerable to executive influence, thereby weakening accountability and public trust.
The signatories also linked Nigeria’s security challenges to the growing instability across the Sahel region, including terrorism, arms trafficking and unconstitutional changes of government, calling for renewed engagement between Nigeria, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and ECOWAS.
Among their recommendations, they urged the Federal Government to appoint a Special Envoy for the Sahel, strengthen regional security cooperation, protect judicial independence and ensure credible, transparent and fair elections in 2027.
They also called on civil society groups, professional bodies, traditional rulers and religious leaders to defend democratic values and the rule of law.
The statement was signed by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega; former Chief of Staff to the President and diplomat, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; civil society leader Dr. Husseini Abdu; former political adviser Dr. Usman Bugaje; businessman Dr. Yahaya Hashim; political scientist Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim; academic Prof. Mohammed Kuna; former Nigerian Bar Association President, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN); Ambassador Fatima Balla OON; and media entrepreneur Malam Kabiru Yusuf.
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