Institutions

The fundamental institutions that underpin our nation—encompassing the political, legal, economic, social, and cultural pillars—are currently inadequate for the progressive and forward-looking Nigeria we aspire to build. The urgent establishment of new institutional frameworks is essential for realizing the vision of a new Nigeria. Strong and effective institutions are the bedrock of a sustainable democracy, and without them, our efforts risk falling short of our goals. To address the issue of institutional inadequacies, my team and I will initiate a series of critical measures:

Revamp of INEC: The existing INEC, often criticized for political corruption, vote manipulation or rigging, will be dissolved, making way for a transparent, truly autonomous body, ensuring impartial elections.

Hold Politicians Accountable: The immunity clause will undergo revision, ensuring politicians face consequences for severe offenses while in office and out of office.

Empower Younger Voters: By constitutional amendment, the voting age will be reduced to 16, inviting a new generation to shape the nation’s direction.

Legalize Diaspora Voting in All Nigerian Elections: All Nigerian citizens, including those with dual citizenship will be permitted to vote in all Nigerian elections by law. The Nigerian diaspora, comprising approximately 17 million eligible voters, plays a crucial role in the nation’s democracy, contributing over $21 billion in annual remittances. Ensuring that their voices are represented through their voting rights is a primary focus of my administration.

Strengthen National Trust: To foster national trust among Nigerians, my administration will adopt a multi-faceted approach centered on inclusive governance and transparency. This would involve open access to government activities and decisions, enhancing public trust in the system. We will ensure fair, but talented, representation from all ethnic, religious, and regional groups in government, promoting a sense of inclusivity and reducing marginalization. My economic policies will be equitable, benefiting all regions and social groups to ensure a fair distribution of resources. Furthermore, we will promote cultural exchanges, youth engagement, and responsible media to bridge gaps between diverse groups, building a unified national identity.

Transform the Judiciary: As outlined in our previous judiciary strategic initiative, we are committed to a comprehensive reform of the judicial system. Our goal is to guarantee that the laws of our nation are applied uniformly to all citizens, regardless of their status, religion, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or regional background. The principle of equality before the law and in the courts will be upheld for everyone.

Overhaul the Police System: The excessive powers of the police, often leading to unwarranted detentions, will be curbed, ensuring a faster, fairer justice system.

Mandate Mental Fitness Checks: A mandatory cognitive fitness test will be introduced for presidential candidates above 75 years of age, ensuring transparency in candidate selection. The aim is not disqualification but voter awareness. Competency, not age, will be the focal point.