Economist Hayatu-Deen Warns INEC Actions Threaten Nigeria's Democratic Foundations
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a distinguished economist and banker, has issued a stark warning about the potential erosion of Nigeria's democratic integrity, highlighting concerns over recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement released on Friday, he emphasized that actions perceived as limiting political participation could severely weaken the nation's democratic foundations, particularly amid ongoing economic and security challenges.
Questioning INEC's Recent Moves
Hayatu-Deen specifically questioned the implications of INEC's reported move to revalidate the national voters register and its decision not to engage with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He described these actions as having potentially far-reaching consequences for electoral fairness and public confidence. "When a commission charged with protecting participation instead restricts it, we must ask: in whose interest does it act?" he stated, underscoring the critical role of electoral bodies in upholding democratic principles.
Core Democratic Rights at Stake
According to Hayatu-Deen, any measures that could disenfranchise voters or prevent political parties from fielding candidates strike at the core of democratic rights. He argued that democracy is not merely about holding elections but involves a covenant requiring equal access, transparent rules, and unwavering citizen trust in the process. "Democracy is not merely a calendar of elections. It is a covenant, one that demands equal access, transparent rules, and the unshakeable confidence of citizens that the process is fair," he elaborated.
Broader Implications for National Stability
Hayatu-Deen warned that the erosion of trust in electoral institutions often begins subtly but can lead to lasting consequences for governance and national stability. He linked the integrity of democratic institutions to broader challenges, noting that governance, economic stability, and security are deeply interconnected. "Once that confidence is undermined, the legitimacy of every outcome that follows is called into question. Nigeria cannot afford that erosion," he added, stressing that weakened institutions compromise the nation's ability to address its pressing issues.
Call for Vigilance and Restraint
While clarifying that his intervention is not politically motivated, the former presidential aspirant urged authorities to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. He cautioned that democratic decline typically occurs through gradual institutional shifts rather than dramatic events. "The gradual erosion of democratic norms is rarely dramatic. It announces itself in quiet exclusions, and in institutions that bend just enough to serve power," he noted. Hayatu-Deen called on Nigerians across political divides to remain vigilant, emphasizing that safeguarding democracy is a collective responsibility. "The preservation of our democracy is not the work of any single party or person. It is a shared responsibility," he concluded.
Background on Hayatu-Deen
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, an elder statesman from Borno State, boasts a distinguished career spanning over four decades in banking and economic policy. He has served as Group Managing Director of the New Nigeria Development Company and played a pivotal role in transforming FSB International Bank into a leading commercial institution. Additionally, he is a former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and has been honored with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger, underscoring his significant contributions to Nigeria's economic landscape.
