Corruption remains the biggest obstacle holding Nigeria back, according to Dr Jelili Akinola, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Thursday, Akinola reflected on 27 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. He emphasized that while democratic governance has brought significant gains, widespread corruption continues to undermine national development.
Akinola noted that decades of mismanagement and diversion of public funds have severely hindered progress in critical sectors such as road infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Despite improvements since the return to civilian rule, he argued that public money consistently disappears into private pockets, stalling growth and eroding public trust. “But the way public funds keep disappearing into private pockets is hindering the nation’s progress,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need for stronger accountability.
He called on the federal government to strengthen key anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau. Akinola stressed the importance of non-selective prosecution of corrupt officials, warning that selective justice undermines public confidence in the system. Political will and transparency, he insisted, are essential for Nigeria to achieve its development goals.
Akinola also urged citizens to actively demand accountability from their leaders, warning that voter apathy during elections creates fertile ground for bad governance. He emphasized that true development begins with honest leadership and a populace unwilling to accept excuses for stolen public funds. “Development starts with honest leadership and a people who refuse to accept excuses for stolen money,” he said.
While acknowledging that democratic consolidation since 1999 has been uneven, Akinola pointed to the culture of regular elections and peaceful transfer of power as major achievements. “Since 1999, we have moved from one civilian government to another without military interruption. That alone is consolidation,” he remarked. He added that Nigerians now expect elections every four years, a shift that was absent during military rule.
However, Akinola cautioned that the quality of democracy remains weak. He recommended that the National Orientation Agency launch nationwide campaigns to promote patriotism and discourage corruption. He also advised Nigerian leaders to lead by example and govern with integrity and fear of God. Furthermore, he called for collaborative efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges, noting that meaningful development cannot occur amid insecurity.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, Akinola’s remarks highlight the enduring need for institutional reform, citizen engagement, and ethical leadership to build a more prosperous and just society.
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