A former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Sam Egwu, has questioned the accountability of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, urging Nigerians to demand greater transparency from the government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Egwu raised the concerns on Monday in Abuja while delivering a lecture at the 20th anniversary event of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED).
The lecture, titled “Reclaiming Civic Space: The Rule of Law, Democratic Accountability, and the Future of Citizens’ Participation in Nigeria,” examined the role of citizens in strengthening democracy and holding public officials accountable.
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Egwu cited major economic decisions by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy, exchange rate unification, the introduction of a new tax regime and increases in electricity tariffs.
He argued that the policies raised questions about how government decisions were made, whether citizens’ interests were adequately considered and how the administration accounted for the consequences of its actions.
“I would argue that even the policies introduced by the present administration raise serious questions about accountability to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The former INEC commissioner urged Nigerians not to limit their participation in governance to voting during elections, stressing that citizens must remain engaged, question government policies and demand explanations from elected officials.
He also expressed concern about what he described as a shrinking civic space, warning that restrictions on media freedom and the activities of civil society organisations could weaken democratic participation.
Egwu described civic space as essential to an open society, where citizens and organisations can freely organise, communicate and participate in governance without hindrance.
He said the enthusiasm that accompanied Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 had gradually declined, despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing citizens' rights.
The former REC further called on Nigerians to protect democratic freedoms and insist on accountability from public institutions as the country approaches another general election.
CHRICED Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said the organisation was established 20 years ago to address citizens' exclusion from governance.
The centre's board member, Dr Dayo Olaide, also described democratic development as a collective responsibility that requires citizens to speak up and ensure their votes count.
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