Distinguished members of the high table, fellow aspirants and participants, other stakeholders of our democratic process, the convener and organisers of the Movement for Credible Elections, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen.
On behalf of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, I stand before this auspicious gathering today with a heavy heart, yet with our spirits being resolute and determined never to be subdued by the present challenges. We are persuaded that every dark cloud has a silver lining, and after every storm, there comes a rainbow.
As we gather here to discuss the dynamics of democracy and the necessity of credible elections, our minds are naturally drawn to the immediate reality of the recent incident in our state.
Just some days ago, our state suffered a brutal assault. The coordinated abduction of our innocent children and dedicated teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area—and the tragic loss of one of our educators—is a pain that cuts deep into the soul of every citizen.
To the families waiting anxiously for their loved ones: we hear you, we feel your anguish, and we are relentlessly working around the clock towards their release. Just this week, His Excellency signed an Executive Order to strictly regulate and coordinate local security organisations, because we realise that modern insecurity requires well structured, and accountable response networks.
You might ask: “Why speak of elections at a time when our primary worry ought to be that of how to secure the lives and property of the people?”
The answer is simple, yet profound. Security and credible elections are two sides of the same coin. Insecurity thrives where there is a breakdown of trust, and there is no greater builder of trust in any democratic society than a truly credible electoral process.
Credible elections are not just a periodic ritual of casting votes by the electorates; indeed they are the bedrock of the entire democratic process. When we talk about the role of flawless elections, three fundamental truths stand out:
1. Legitimacy and True Mandate
A credible election guarantees that the leaders who emerge carry the genuine mandate of the people. When a leader knows they were truly chosen by the ballot, they carry a burden of legitimacy. Legitimacy truly comes with a burden. The burden to live up to the expectations of the electorates.
Leaders that are elected through credible elections answer to the citizens, not to a cabal of political godfathers or some vested interests.
This legitimacy gives the government the moral authority to enforce laws, collect revenues, and enact policies necessary for development. Even when the policies are tough, the masses are usually patient in the belief that they are being implemented with their interest at heart.
2. The Power of Accountable Governance
The beauty of democracy is the right to hire political leaders and fire them. When an electoral system is free, transparent, credible and tamper-proof, every four years, the ballot box becomes the ultimate performance review.
If a government fails to enhance the livelihoods of the people, if it fails to give the youth a future and hope, if it fails to secure the integrity of its geographical space and people, if it fails to build infrastructure or promote economic prosperity, a credible system ensures the people can peacefully change that leadership. Fear of the voter therefore forces leaders to be proactive, empathetic, and accountable.
3. A Peaceful Mechanism for Conflict Resolution
History has shown that when people lose faith in the electoral process, they seek alternatives. Lack of credible elections drive grievances underground, it has the capacity to breed civil unrest, political violence, and criminality.
By ensuring that every vote counts, we provide a generally acceptable channel for transitions from one government to another or for a performing government to be returned to power.
It serves as a reliable means for competing ideas, ideologies, and interests to resolve differences, with the electorates being the judges. As it is usually said, “Ballots eliminate the need for bullets”
We cannot build a secured or stable Nigeria on a fractured democratic foundation. The greatest pushback we can give to forces of anarchy is to build an unshakeable, transparent system where the will of the people reigns supreme.
As we prepare for future electoral cycles, let this parley remind us that an investment in the integrity of our elections is a direct investment in the fundamental function of government, which is to maintain social order, protect citizens’ rights, secure our communities, and provide essential public services When our electoral institutions are strong, our nation becomes strong, and our citizens become safe and prosperous.
Thank you for your kind attention.
God bless our people, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
. Being the text of the speech Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the PDP-APM at the parley organised by the Movement For Credible Elections on May 25, 2026 at Nicon Luxury Hotel, FCT, Abuja.
