A Professor of History and International Studies at the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Abdulrahman Ochi Suberu, has identified weak institutions, political interference, and internal party failures as major drivers of persistent illegalities in Nigeria’s political space.
Delivering the university’s 45th inaugural lecture on Wednesday at the Felele campus of the institution titled “Persisting Illegalities in Nigeria’s Political Space: Who Is to Blame? A Historical Discourse on Power, Institutions and Democratic Governance,” Professor Suberu argued that while Nigeria possesses an elaborate constitutional and institutional framework, enforcement deficiencies continue to undermine democratic governance.
According to the scholar, the mere existence of laws and regulatory agencies is insufficient without consistent enforcement, lamenting that many institutions suffer from inadequate operational independence, poor funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and selective law enforcement.
“Where enforcement is inconsistent, political actors begin to calculate that the benefits of violating rules outweigh the risks of punishment reason illegalities persist not due to absence of laws but because enforcement mechanisms are often weak” he stated.
Professor Suberu who also blamed political parties for contributing to democratic decline, citing imposition of candidates, monetisation of party processes, and lack of internal democracy, observed that parties dominated by powerful individuals and financiers are unlikely to promote democratic governance at the national level.
“Political parties are central to democratic competition, but when they fail to practise internal democracy, they weaken the entire democratic system,” he said.
Speaking on the role of the judiciary, the don acknowledged its critical contributions in resolving electoral disputes and defending constitutionalism, but raised concerns over allegations of corruption, delayed justice, and political pressure.
He emphasised that public confidence in democracy depends largely on the perception that justice is impartial and free from political influence.
Professor Suberu further highlighted concerns surrounding the conduct of security agencies, warning that perceived partisanship, selective enforcement, and excessive use of force could undermine electoral credibility and public trust.
“Security institutions must remain neutral, professional, and guided strictly by constitutional mandates to sustain democratic legitimacy,” he said.
Proffering solutions, the academic called for renewed commitment to constitutional supremacy, stressing that no individual or institution should operate above the law.
While urging governments at all levels to respect court judgments and ensure that executive actions remain within legal boundaries, he also advocated strengthening institutional independence through merit-based appointments, adequate funding, and protection from political interference, noting that strong institutions are the foundation of sustainable democracies.
Speaking further, Professor Suberu said the persistence of political illegalities in Nigeria is a cumulative outcome of colonial legacies, military authoritarianism, weak institutions, and ethical leadership failures, urging political leaders, institutions, and citizens to embrace accountability, reject corruption and electoral malpractice, and work collectively to build a democratic culture anchored on the rule of law.
“The future of Nigeria will be determined not by its resources, but by the strength of its institutions, the integrity of its leadership, and the vigilance of its citizens,” he said.
The inaugural lecturer also challenged universities to play a leading role in shaping ethical leadership and advancing research that addresses governance challenges, noting that scholarship must contribute meaningfully to national development.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye in his speech called for a deeper national reflection on the persistence of illegality in Nigeria’s political space.
Reflecting on the theme of the lecture “Persisting Illegality in Nigerian Political Space: Who is to Blame? A Historical Discourse,”
Professor Ibileye likened the lecture’s title to a courtroom summons, noting that it presents illegality as a standing charge while inviting the academic community to serve as a jury in determining responsibility.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of historical analysis in addressing contemporary governance challenges, describing the lecture as a reopening of a “cold case” whose patterns have become normalized over time.
“History, properly interrogated, is not weather; it is precedent. And precedent can be overturned,” he added.
He further acknowledged the role of family and friends in the academic journey of scholars, describing them as “the unwritten chapters” behind every achievement.
The event was attended by members of the academic community, public officials, and stakeholders who described the lecture as a timely intervention on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
