Gana Warns APC Against Weakening Institutions

Gana, who was speaking at the fifth conference of the former Deputy Governors’ Forum in Abuja on Tuesday, recalled his involvement in the struggle to restore democracy in 1999, saying INEC’s independence was a non-negotiable condition political leaders demanded during Nigeria’s transition from military rule.

“The present National Electoral Commission is being turned by the forces that be to be not independent,” he declared.

The former minister warned that manipulating electoral institutions to secure political advantage would betray the sacrifices made by those who fought for democratic governance.

“If you are good, you are good. If you are good, you’ll be elected,” Gana said.

“But if you are going to be playing games in such a way that the National Electoral Commission will do things just to favor the ruling party, you will destroy democracy.”

Addressing the former chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, Gana cautioned the party against leaving behind a legacy of weakened democratic institutions.

“The APC must not leave a record of a party that breaks the institutions that have been built by the founding fathers,” he warned.

Drawing on his experience as a member of the G34, a group involved in Nigeria’s democratic transition, Gana recalled a critical meeting in Abuja in 1998, chaired by then United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

He said the meeting brought together representatives of the political class and the military government, with former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Senator Abraham Adesanya and himself representing political leaders.

According to Gana, the political class insisted that an independent electoral commission was essential before participating in the restoration of democracy.

His remarks come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, placing renewed attention on INEC’s neutrality and its constitutional responsibility to conduct credible elections.

Gana also reminded political leaders that justice, fairness, equity and the welfare of citizens remain fundamental obligations of government.

“The security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government,” he said, referring to Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution.

He called on the ruling party to protect democratic institutions and leave behind what he described as “a legacy of honor, a legacy of integrity, a legacy of justice, a legacy of fairness.”

The former minister’s warning places INEC’s independence at the centre of the debate over Nigeria’s electoral credibility, with the 2027 polls approaching and questions about political influence demanding public scrutiny.