As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12, the Pilex Centre for Civic Education has issued a strong call for democratic reforms across the country. With a specific demand for the reinstatement of the elected Governor and State Assembly members in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, Pilex Centre described the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State as a “clear case of impunity and executive rascality.” Criticising the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Also, the reported removal of elected officials.
The centre labelled the move a gross violation of democratic norms and a breach of constitutional order. “Impunity is when a person believes they are above the law. The President’s insistence on removing an elected Governor and declaring emergency rule in Rivers State amounts to gross misconduct,” said Courage Nsirimovu, Coordinator of Pilex Centre – The People’s Advocate.
Pilex cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Lagos State (2004), asserting that the declaration of a state of emergency does not grant the President the power to remove elected officials.
The organisation traced the roots of Nigeria’s democratic challenges to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely regarded as free and fair. That election was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, using the Option A4 open balloting system. It was then annulled by the military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida.
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In his recently published autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida reportedly admitted that Abiola won the election and offered an apology for the annulment. Pilex argued that 32 years later, the legacy of electoral manipulation continues, citing alleged irregularities in the 2023 elections, particularly in Rivers State.
“Democracy is a government by the people. It becomes a farce when one man determines who becomes Governor or lawmaker,” the statement added. Pilex called on the National Assembly to immediately amend Section 60(5) of the Electoral Act to mandate the electronic transmission of polling unit results directly to INEC’s server.
“The words ‘as prescribed by the Commission’ must be removed. This loophole is what allows electoral fraud between the close of polls and the collation of results,” Nsirimovu stated. The group listed the root causes of Nigeria’s democratic problems as a weak and partial electoral system, impunity, corruption, weak institutions, and docile citizens.
Pilex outlined a strategic six-point plan to begin restoring public trust and building strong democratic institutions. Including: Comprehensive electoral reform, engaging candidates with institutional reform pledges, and holding elected officials accountable. Voter mobilisation and education, creating long-term development plans with enforceable milestones, and demanding consistent oversight from all arms of government.
Pilex also criticised what it described as the Legislature’s and the Judiciary’s failure to check executive overreach. Referring to incidents where judges reportedly made rulings based on “orders from above.”
Pilex Centre, in collaboration with the Concerned Civil Society Coalition, is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark this year’s Democracy Day by restoring the elected government in Rivers State. As a symbolic and practical step toward reclaiming Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
“We must liberate and strengthen institutions like INEC, EFCC, and the Judiciary. Citizens must begin the strategic process of taking back their power through credible elections and electoral reform,” the statement concluded.
