Democracy in Africa is a subject of growing global interest, with Ghana and Nigeria often at the center of discussions due to their political history and influence in West Africa. One notable point of comparison is the duration it takes to announce election results. In Ghana, results are typically announced within 48 hours as seen in the just concluded 2024 general election. Conversely, Nigeria often takes days to declare a winner in an election. While both nations are celebrated for their transitions to democracy, the question arises: is Ghana’s democracy more mature than Nigeria’s?

Examining their Electoral Systems and Frameworks

Ghana
Ghana’s democratic journey is often hailed as a model in Africa, largely due to the efficiency of its Electoral Commission (EC). The commission has maintained a consistent record of organizing elections as scheduled, ensuring that the constitutional timeline for electoral transitions is respected. The Electoral Commission has been pivotal in introducing reforms like biometric voter registration, which have enhanced the credibility of elections.

Nigeria
Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has made significant strides in improving electoral processes, including the adoption of the Electoral Act 2022. However, challenges persist, such as logistical issues that lead to election postponements and difficulties in delivering election materials to remote areas. These challenges have raised concerns about the institutional capacity of INEC to handle the complexities of Nigeria’s large and diverse electorate.

Voters Turnout and Electoral Participation

Ghana
Voter turnout in Ghana has remained relatively stable over the past three election cycles, often exceeding 70%. This is attributed to robust voter education campaigns and a higher level of public trust in the electoral process. Political parties actively mobilize voters, fostering a sense of civic responsibility among the electorate.

Nigeria
Nigeria, by contrast, has seen a decline in voter turnout, with the 2023 elections recording one of the lowest turnouts in the country’s democratic history at approximately 29%. Factors contributing to this decline include insecurity, logistical challenges, and voter apathy, with many citizens expressing doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.

Electoral Transparency and Fairness

Ghana
Ghana has made significant advancements in ensuring electoral transparency, with the successful implementation of biometric systems to prevent voter fraud. International observers have frequently lauded Ghana’s elections as free, fair, and credible. Disputes, when they arise, are resolved through legal channels with minimal public unrest.

Nigeria
Nigeria introduced technologies such as BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System) to enhance transparency. However, reports of vote-buying, ballot box snatching, and allegations of election rigging continue to undermine confidence in the system. While progress has been made, public skepticism remains a hurdle. 

Post-Election Peace and Stability

Ghana
A hallmark of Ghana’s democracy is its peaceful transitions of power, even in tightly contested elections. For example, the 2012 presidential election dispute was resolved in court without resorting to violence. This culture of legal resolution has bolstered Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy.

Nigeria
Nigeria has witnessed significant post-election violence, notably after the 2011 presidential elections. While the country has improved in managing post-election disputes, the 2023 elections still saw tensions in various regions, fueled by accusations of electoral malpractice.

Civil Society and Media Involvement

Ghana
Civil society organizations in Ghana play an active role in monitoring elections and educating voters. The media, both traditional and digital, is relatively free and contributes to accountability by exposing electoral malpractices and educating the electorate.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, civil society is increasingly active in election monitoring and advocacy for transparency. However, challenges such as media censorship, misinformation, and the influence of fake news on social media have complicated the electoral process.

While both Ghana and Nigeria have made strides in their democratic journeys, Ghana’s consistent voter engagement, transparent elections, and peaceful power transitions suggest a more mature democracy. Nigeria, despite its challenges, continues to make progress, but addressing issues of transparency, voter apathy, and post-election conflicts is crucial for its democratic evolution. As both nations navigate their unique political landscapes, their experiences provide valuable lessons for the advancement of democracy across Africa.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, citing procedural errors in the filing. Justice Maryanne Anenih, in her ruling, explained that the application was premature as it was submitted before Bello was present in court or in custody.

The judge stated, “Since the application was filed before the defendant was either in custody or before the court, it is deemed incompetent. Therefore, the application is refused.”

Bello, along with two other individuals, faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N110 billion money laundering scheme. The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, was submitted prior to Bello’s formal arraignment, which occurred on November 27, following his arrest on November 26.

Bello’s legal counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client, a former two-term governor, would not interfere with witnesses or flee. “The defendant became aware of the charges through public summons and is a responsible individual who will comply with the court’s conditions,” Daudu said.

However, EFCC lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) argued that the application was flawed, having been filed before the arraignment, which violated the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro urged the court to dismiss the application based on its invalid timing.

Meanwhile, the second defendant in the case, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the amount of N300 million with two sureties. The court stipulated that the sureties must own properties in the Maitama area of Abuja worth at least the bail amount and submit original title documents to the court. Oricha was also required to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until the bail conditions were fully met.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area, alongside the newly constructed Alapere Pedestrian Bridge. These infrastructure projects aim to improve connectivity and quality of life for Lagos residents.

The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road features a 135-meter reinforced concrete bridge that spans a 25-meter swamp belt, linking the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga communities. The 643-meter-long project includes a 7.3-meter-wide carriageway, slip roads, pedestrian walkways, and solar-powered streetlights to cater to the area’s growing population.

The bridge replaces a precarious wooden structure previously used by pedestrians, addressing long-standing safety and environmental concerns. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized his administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises of tackling inadequate infrastructure and flooding in the area.

“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in improving connectivity and fostering economic growth for Lagosians,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “This project transforms lives by connecting Abiola and Onijemo Streets, previously divided by a canal for decades. Residents can now enjoy safer and faster movement, reduced travel times, and increased opportunities for trade and commerce.”

The governor urged the community to maintain and protect the new infrastructure while highlighting the broader impact of the project on local businesses and daily commutes.

Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, lauded the initiative, noting its strategic importance. “This road and bridge provide a critical connection through swampy terrain, linking College Road via Ajayi Street in Ogba to Aruna, Obawole, and Iju-Ishaga. It significantly enhances vehicular movement and stimulates local commerce,” Daramola said.

Desmond Elliot, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure, commended the administration’s dedication to transformative projects across the state, emphasizing their value in improving residents’ lives.

These developments are part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader agenda to unveil 36 new roads and bridges across Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable urban development.

Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, has filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal contesting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory.

This action comes 24 days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the election winner with 366,781 votes, while Ajayi secured 117,845 votes.

Speaking at the PDP Secretariat in Akure, Ajayi revealed that his legal team had submitted the petition, expressing hope for a favorable judgment. Although he refrained from disclosing the specifics of his petition, he criticized the election outcome, describing it as a “miscarriage and murder of democracy.”

Ajayi stated, “We thank Almighty God for the peaceful conduct of the election. However, after a thorough review, we express our dissatisfaction with the process and outcome. Claims that voters were compromised are unfounded; the people’s discontent reflects their dissatisfaction with the results declared by INEC, which we believe do not represent their will.”

The PDP candidate accused INEC of partiality despite previous warnings and legal actions to ensure neutrality. He urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act for greater transparency, citing alleged manipulation of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS).

Ajayi also called on the judiciary to uphold democracy, expressing optimism that the tribunal would deliver justice. “Ondo State deserves leaders chosen freely and fairly. We remain committed to restoring the integrity of our democracy,” he concluded.

Court Dismisses Ajayi’s Initial Suit

In a separate development, the Federal High Court in Akure dismissed Ajayi’s suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s qualification to contest the election.

Justice Toyin Adegoke ruled that Ajayi lacked the legal standing to file the suit and had missed the 14-day deadline stipulated by the Electoral Act. The judge also noted procedural flaws in Ajayi’s filing, which was submitted as an originating summons rather than a writ of summons, further stripping the court of jurisdiction over the case.