By Tony Okafor
In every true democracy, elections sustain legitimacy, accountability, and public trust. When they are weakened or ignored, democracy becomes a hollow imitation.
From local councils to national offices, the growing practice of replacing elections with imposition, “consensus,” or outright selection must be condemned.
In some cases, this unholy act is even dressed up as “conclave elections” to justify the perfidy.
Democracy without elections is like laughter in a burial—out of place and a mockery of its purpose.
Democracy rests on the people’s right to choose their leaders. When leaders emerge through selection, that consent is absent.
This trend erodes confidence in the system. Citizens begin to see participation as pointless and outcomes as predetermined. Voter apathy grows, participation declines, and civic engagement weakens.
A democracy that loses faith in the ballot is in danger.
The effects are already visible in parts of Nigeria. Local governments, meant to be closest to the people, are often led by individuals never tested at the polls.
Instead of serving communities, they serve political patrons, weakening institutions and fuelling corruption.
Imposition also breeds mediocrity. Leaders who are not elected feel little pressure to perform. Their loyalty is to those who selected them, not to the people. The result is poor governance, stalled development, and public frustration.
There is also the risk of a creeping one-party system. When opposition is weakened through manipulated party processes and electoral structures, democracy becomes a façade. Without credible elections, there is no real opposition, no accountability, and no freedom.
Claims that selection promotes unity are misleading. Genuine unity comes from competition, dialogue, and respect for diverse views.
Elections offer a peaceful way to resolve differences. When that avenue is blocked, tensions rise.
Democracy is costly, but the price of avoiding credible elections is far higher—instability, weak institutions, and social unrest.
Political parties must restore internal democracy through transparent primaries. Electoral institutions must be protected from interference. Citizens must reject apathy and defend their right to choose.
Democracy is about the sovereignty of the people, not the convenience of the political class.
When leaders are selected rather than elected, citizens become spectators in their own governance. That is unacceptable.
Democracy without elections is indeed like laughter in a burial. It dishonours the struggle for freedom and endangers the future. The sanctity of the ballot must be restored. Anything less is deception.
