Why Institutional Reforms, Civic Empowerment, and Accountability Are Crucial for Nigeria – Akingbade

Otunba Yomi Akingbade is a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a Nigerian living abroad. He discusses state policing, Nigerian democracy, and the benefits of political participation for honest people in this interview. The entrepreneur also discusses the significance of accountability in governance and institutional reforms, among other topics. Joy Anigogu provides the following excerpts:

What would you say about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s current administration?

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has undertaken an assertive “shock therapy” economic reset, exchanging short-term pain for macroeconomic stability, the development of infrastructure, and the extension of social programs. Some human rights organizations and investors have praised these actions. However, the societal cost is still considerable, particularly for inflation, insecurity, and limited civic space. The success of this ambitious reform plan will depend on whether noticeable improvements can reach those who will be most impacted as Nigeria enters the last two years of his mandate.

You entered politics when?

Every year, I conduct medical outreach in a few different places around the nation, particularly in Ondo State. I had to start at the grassroots level a few years ago because this move seemed political to many. I have therefore always been interested in politics.

Tell us about your goals and political journey.

My goal is to make the less fortunate people in society smile, and this is the main reason I entered politics: to be able to repeat what I have done on a modest scale for a wider audience that primarily needs the necessities of life.

Regarding Nigerian democracy, what can you say?

The democratic system in Nigeria is intricate and dynamic. Although it has achieved great progress since military rule ended in 1999, it continues to face enduring difficulties. Nigerian democracy is robust, but it is also vulnerable. Despite surviving more than 20 years of civilian governance, the system faces challenges with openness, accountability, and inclusivity. Although the foundation for a truly democratic society is in place, the true test will be in strengthening democratic principles—not simply conducting elections, but also guaranteeing everyone’s freedom, justice, and equal opportunity. Without localized, responsible, and intelligent policing, Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be resolved in a sustainable manner. Politically, constitutionally, and practically, the nation is prepared for state police. But decentralisation must be paired with oversight and reform to prevent misuse. Addressing the social and political causes of violence is also necessary for long-term security.

What do you think about the National Assembly’s attempt to change Nigeria’s constitution?

One of Nigeria’s most important governance possibilities in decades is the 2025 constitutional revision process. It has the ability to advance the country toward genuine federalism, election integrity, and more responsive local governance if it is implemented in an inclusive, deliberate, and transparent manner. But failure to manage state ratification hurdles, democratic protections, and uniform implementation risks turning the exercise into yet another unmet promise.

Would you say Nigeria is ripe for state police and how best do you think the government can fight the current insecurity in the nation?

Yes; Nigeria is poised for state police, and many experts, civil society groups, and even governors concur. Because of its scale, complexity, and lack of local intelligence and accountability, Nigeria’s centralized security architecture—particularly the Nigerian Police Force (NPF)—has found it difficult to successfully combat pervasive insecurity.

What role do you think diasporic Nigerians can play in the nation’s progress?

It’s by returning home and making significant investments. Once a business is established, the following step is to hire staff, which is the first step in helping the nation flourish. Joining politics will allow you to alter the narrative on a broader scale, and everything you have experienced while living overseas can be progressively duplicated in your own nation.

What do you think about the claim that politics is a dirty game?

Many people hold the view that “politics is a dirty game,” particularly in a nation like Nigeria where politics is frequently linked to violence, corruption, treachery, and manipulation. But a complicated situation is oversimplified by that term.

Lack of openness is the main reason why politics appears to be nasty. Politicians frequently work behind closed doors, negotiating agreements that benefit elite or personal interests over the general welfare. The second is the use of power and money. Instead of ideas or integrity, political campaigns in many countries, including Nigeria, mainly rely on funding, networks of patrons, and occasionally electoral violence or thuggery. Corruption and impunity rank third. Many political players avoid responsibility, misappropriate public funds, or change parties for personal benefit. The public’s cynicism is strengthened by this. The fourth is the manipulation of religion and ethnicity. To seize power, politicians frequently take advantage of identity divisions (tribe, religion, and area), which exacerbates conflict and erodes national cohesion. Politics isn’t always dirty, really. Theoretically, politics isn’t nasty. In actuality, it is a noble and essential instrument for allocating resources, structuring society, and peacefully resolving disputes.

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It is the people and systems, not the idea, that are “dirty.” Politics is an instrument for public service. Effective politics promotes social justice, economic growth, and better policies. There are good politicians; they’re simply frequently overshadowed by the bad ones. Democracy also requires participation. Only the corrupt will control politics if decent people shun it because it’s “dirty,” and the cycle will continue. Politics has created great leaders. Leaders such as the late Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala show that politics, when driven by ethics, can alter lives for the better. Personally, I think what should change is to clean up politics, especially in areas like Nigeria.

How can we accomplish that?

Let’s enhance institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the courts. Let’s use voting, the media, and civil society to demand accountability. Let’s educate and enable young people to take part in public life. Let’s promote issue-based politics over identity or money politics, uphold campaign finance regulations, and promote party transparency. The claim that “politics is a dirty game” is partially accurate, but it also serves as a justification for excluding decent individuals from positions of authority. We must stop letting the corrupt control politics and instead try to change the system from the inside out if we want to have honest, efficient government. “Being governed by those worse than themselves is the penalty that good people pay for not being involved in politics,” goes a proverb.

How can the government, in your opinion, best address the numerous issues affecting the Nigerian economy?

You are entirely correct; among the many issues the Nigerian economy is confronting in 2025 are high rates of inflation, underemployment and unemployment, food insecurity, a depreciating value of the naira, the load of public debt, an excessive reliance on oil, and many more. Nigeria needs to address its economic issue in a way that goes beyond temporary fixes. Building infrastructure, investing in people, diversifying the economy, and fostering an atmosphere that supports economic success are the ways to go forward. Instead of “managing poverty,” policy must focus on generating wealth.

Since 1999, do you think the current democracy has been favorable? How can we make it better, in your opinion?

Since 1999, Nigeria’s democracy has maintained political stability and granted certain civil liberties, but it has fallen well short of meeting the expectations of its citizens for justice, equity, and economic growth. Elections are only one aspect of democracy; other aspects include participation, openness, and efficient governance. In order for democracy to benefit everyone, not just the wealthy, Nigeria must now prioritize accountability, civic empowerment, and institutional reform.

What do you think of the suggestion that we return to the parliamentary form of government?

A parliamentary system might be an option for Nigeria. It might lower expenses, boost accountability, and enhance executive and parliamentary collaboration. However, any system—presidential or parliamentary—will continue to yield subpar results if the fundamental issues of corruption, shoddy institutions, and a bad political culture are not addressed.