Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attairu Jega, has claimed that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) led Nigeria astray in the last 21 years of democratic governance.
Jega said this while speaking on the theme: “Politics, Governance and Leadership Recruitment in 21st Century Democracy” at the inaugural lecture of Kwaravisioners Network for Rural Development, in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday.
He urged Nigerians to work hard to change the usual ways for the country to move forward.
The former INEC Chairman, who advocated for the creation of new special vehicles to free Nigeria from its present strangulation, described Nigeria as a failing state, most especially in the hand of the two major political parties.
According to him, “From the local, state and federal government levels, we have clueless leadership because of the way they got into power,” warning that Nigeria may run aground if the needful is not done at the right time.
He also called for the development of a people-oriented party structure that will be accountable to the people, adding that people must also elect leaders with integrity and competence.
Jega, used the occasion to dismiss speculation about his presidential ambition, saying ” I have no presidential ambition, all I am doing is to contribute to a credible, reliable and acceptable process of election and leadership recruitment in the country.”
In his remarks, the Head of News and Current Affairs, TVC, Babajide Kolade Otitoju, said nobody should pretend that all is well with the country presently.
He warned that if the present situation in Nigeria is not well managed, ”we will all go down together.”
