Nigeria no longer practises democracy but plutocracy — Falana
By Omobolaji Adekunle
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has declared that Nigeria is no longer practising true democracy but a plutocracy, where political power is controlled by the wealthy.
He warned that massive spending on elections, vote-buying, and widespread poverty have eroded electoral integrity.
Falana made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 8th Annual Anniversary Lecture of Penpushing Media in Abeokuta, Ogun State, themed “Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability.”
The event was chaired by Dr. Tunde Lemo, with Justice Oladeinde Shoremi (rtd.) serving as the Father of the Day and Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu as the Mother of the Day.
Questioning the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process, Falana cited recent remarks credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, alleging that some governorship aspirants spent between ₦20 billion and ₦30 billion during party primaries.
“Which democracy are we talking about that we now speak of electoral integrity? If someone spends between ₦20 billion and ₦30 billion on party primaries, how much will such a person spend during the main election?” he asked.
He argued that such enormous sums could not have been legitimately earned, alleging that they were largely sourced from public funds or other questionable means.
“If we are going to talk of electoral integrity, we must first examine the system we practise. It is no longer democracy but plutocracy, a government of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich,” he said.
Falana lamented that vote-buying had become an open practice in Nigerian elections, describing it as a dangerous departure from democratic values.
According to him, politicians now openly induce voters with cash and routinely violate provisions of the Electoral Act without facing prosecution.
He also criticised political parties for commencing campaigns long before the legally approved period, saying such actions undermine the rule of law.
The senior lawyer blamed worsening poverty for making many Nigerians vulnerable to vote-buying, insisting that electoral integrity would remain elusive unless poverty was addressed.
He said politicians had weaponised poverty while abandoning governance and the welfare of the people.
Recalling the legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Falana said the free education policy of the old Western Region transformed society by reducing poverty and promoting enlightenment.
He lamented, however, that many young Nigerians are now unemployed, hopeless, and easily recruited as political thugs during elections.
He further decried the growing insecurity in the country, noting that many Nigerians remain in the custody of kidnappers and terrorists while families struggle to raise ransom payments.
According to him, the government has failed in its constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of citizens.
Falana urged Nigerians, particularly the media, to actively monitor government budgets and demand accountability from public office holders.
He said citizens must begin to scrutinise allocations to states and local governments to ensure public funds are used for development.
The legal icon also called on journalists and civil society organisations to sustain advocacy for transparency, accountability, and electoral reforms capable of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
He maintained that good governance would only be achieved when leaders prioritise the welfare of citizens, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act.