As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections amid mounting concerns over governance and public trust, stakeholders have called for urgent reforms to restore accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement in the country’s democratic process.
This call came on Wednesday during the 9th Anniversary Lecture of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), held at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre. The event brought together journalists, scholars, diplomats, and media executives under the theme of governance, leadership, and Nigeria’s political future.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of Prof. Laolu Akande (OON), his representative, Mr. Idowu Johnson, dissected the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s governance. He lamented the capture of the Nigerian state by elite interests, the erosion of public trust, and the worsening economic and social conditions affecting everyday Nigerians.
Johnson highlighted how decades of failed leadership have led to poor service delivery in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He cited examples such as the skyrocketing PhD tuition at the University of Ibadan—from ₦19,000 in 2003 to over ₦300,000—while lecturers’ salaries have stagnated.
He also decried the deterioration of public healthcare and basic amenities, linking the failure of the state to corruption, lack of accountability, and rigged elections.
“Why can’t journalists or average citizens contest elections?” he asked, pointing to the exorbitant cost of running for office up to ₦50 billion for a governorship race as evidence of elite dominance. He also criticized the abuse of law, ethno-religious manipulation, and the exclusion of youth and women from leadership.
To reverse these trends, Johnson proposed key reforms: electronic transmission of results, stronger anti-corruption enforcement, institutional strengthening, ideological political parties, and citizen-focused campaigns. He emphasized responsible journalism and the need for competent, issue-driven leaders with sound economic knowledge.
Earlier, SWEGOP President, Pastor Bisi Oladele, reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to promoting professionalism in digital journalism, defending press freedom, and educating citizens about their civic responsibilities. He said the lecture aimed to bridge the widening gap of distrust between government and the people.
In his remarks, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, charged online publishers to lead the fight against misinformation, track campaign promises, and educate voters. He encouraged them to amplify marginalized voices, promote media literacy, and engage youth to break the cycle of recycled leadership.
Mr. Awowole Brown, representing Alhaji Aliko Dangote, conveyed the Dangote Group’s goodwill message, commending the resilience of the online media sector and affirming continued support for its growing influence.
The event also featured an award ceremony honoring notable figures for their contributions to media and governance. Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, received SWEGOP’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Media and Governance. Other awardees included Comptroller Babatunde Olomu and media icon, Wole Arisekola.
