Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the National Assembly to make the Electoral Act 2022 publicly accessible, emphasizing citizens' right to know laws guiding Nigeria's democratic process. Makinde stressed the need for transparency, citing the Act's importance in shaping elections
Speaking at the 14th edition of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation lecture,held on Friday at Efunyela Hall, Ikenne-Remo,commemorating the post- homours 117th birthday of the Late Sage.
He highlighted Awolowo's data-driven approach to governance, urging Nigerian leaders to prioritize long-term development over short-term gains. He emphasized true federalism, national consensus, and security as key to Nigeria's progress.
The governor expressed concern that despite the importance of the Electoral Act in shaping Nigeria’s elections, it is not readily available to many citizens, urging lawmakers to ensure greater transparency and public accessibility.
Delving on leadership and governance, Makinde said Nigeria’s political class must return to the data-driven and analytical decision-making approach exemplified by Awolowo.
According to him, Awolowo relied on facts, logic and scientific reasoning when addressing governance challenges, rather than making decisions based solely on political convenience.
“We became complacent over the years. Papa Awolowo, before facing any challenge, would look at the data, the logic behind issues and the science. Those were the tools used to make decisions in his time,” Makinde said.
He noted that many modern political decisions are often taken with an eye on political gain rather than long-term development, a trend he said must change if Nigeria is to make meaningful progress.
The Oyo governor also highlighted that the development philosophy of Awolowo continues to inspire his administration in Oyo State.
He said the late sage’s cardinal programmes, education, healthcare and economic emancipation, align closely with the priorities of his government, which also emphasises security.
Makinde further stressed the need for true federalism and national consensus among political elites to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Drawing lessons from other African countries, he cited the prolonged instability in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rebel conflicts have persisted for decades since the assassination of former leader Patrice Lumumba.
He contrasted the situation with the remarkable recovery of Rwanda following the Rwandan Genocide, noting that the country has since rebuilt itself into a stable and attractive destination for international travel and investment.
Makinde urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise long-term national development over short-term electoral calculations.
“We should stop thinking about the next election and start thinking about the next generation,” he said.
“I can tell you, as a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic, that the Electoral Act has been gazetted.
“Even if I stand here, on my phone I can give you the gazette of that Electoral Act.
“I think that the governor didn’t have, maybe, updated information. And I’ve promised him that I was going to send it to him,” Daniel said
Makinde's call was not in line with Senator Gbenga Daniel's claim that the Act is already gazetted and available
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