“Do-or-Die Politics Is Destroying Nigeria’s Democracy”, Former INEC Chairman Jega Warns Politicians

By Sulaimon Popoola

Professor Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned Nigerian politicians to stop treating elections like a “do-or-die” battle, saying their desperation for power is damaging the country’s democracy.

Speaking in Abuja at the joint graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the University of Benin, Jega said many politicians are ready to do anything to win elections, no matter the cost to the nation.

According to him, this dangerous attitude has continued to weaken public trust and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Jega, who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 general elections, said it was sad that even after 25 years of continuous democracy, Nigeria still battles with election rigging, violence, and voter distrust.

“When we see how desperate these politicians are, it’s clear that many approach elections with a ‘do-or-die’ mindset — determined to win by any means necessary,” he said.

He noted that while no election system in the world is perfect, what separates strong democracies from weak ones is integrity and respect for the rules.

Jega added that Nigeria’s politics has long been polluted by the ruthless struggle for power, warning that democracy will remain weak unless politicians change their ways and the electoral process is cleaned up.

“The credibility of elections directly affects the quality of leaders and governance,” he said, urging for more reforms, stronger institutions, and greater accountability from both leaders and citizens.