The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has expressed concern over allegations of corruption in Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that such practices continue to weaken public trust in democracy.
Akume spoke on Thursday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja during a lecture organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “27 Years of Democratic Governance: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead,” the SGF said Nigeria had made remarkable progress since its return to democratic rule in 1999 but noted that concerns about electoral credibility still pose a major challenge.
According to him, allegations of corruption, vote manipulation and other irregularities in the electoral process continue to undermine confidence in democratic institutions and elections.
He stressed that democracy goes beyond voting, adding that every vote must count and every citizen must have confidence in the electoral system.
Akume urged Nigerians to play active roles in strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the country’s democratic gains.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, he described the last 27 years as a period of resilience, growth and political stability. He noted that the country had successfully conducted eight consecutive general elections and witnessed peaceful transfers of power across political parties and regions.
He, however, warned that the gains of democracy could be threatened if challenges affecting electoral integrity and public confidence are not properly addressed.
The SGF also cautioned against ethnic, religious and regional divisions, saying Nigerians must remain united in protecting and deepening democratic governance.
He called on citizens to continue making sacrifices for national development, noting that the responsibility of building a stronger democracy rests on both present and future generations.
Akume further highlighted some achievements recorded under democratic rule, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, improvements in financial inclusion, and investments in education, healthcare and the power sector.
He described the Democracy Day lecture as an opportunity for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic progress and a platform to chart a better path for the future.
Concerns over electoral malpractice, vote-buying, result manipulation and other irregularities have remained major issues in Nigeria’s democratic process, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for reforms to improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in elections.