Prominent personalities from different walks of life gathered in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, last week for the public unveiling of a new book titled Winning Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria, a publication aimed at promoting credible, peaceful, and violence-free elections across the country.
The book, jointly authored by Dr. Jimoh Akanni Agboola, S. Adetoyese Shittu-Alamu, FSM, and Emmanuel Olufemi Agboola, explores practical approaches to achieving transparent, free, and fair elections. It also highlights the responsibilities of politicians, electoral officials, political parties, and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria's democratic process through peaceful participation and respect for electoral laws.
The unveiling ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, market representatives, members of the media, academics, and political stakeholders, who commended the authors for their contributions to the nation's democratic development.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, stressed that meaningful electoral reform must begin with a transformation in the attitude and conduct of political actors.
According to him, reform starts from within, noting that no electoral reform can succeed if politicians fail to embrace the principles of honesty, accountability, and respect for democratic values.
"Reform begins in the mind. When genuine commitment to reform is absent, even the best policies, laws, and recommendations may amount to mere formal documentation without being holistically and faithfully implemented," he said.
Igbalaye described Winning Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria as a timely and thought-provoking publication capable of reshaping the perspectives of political stakeholders while strengthening the nation's commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
He applauded the authors for drawing from their extensive journalistic experience to produce a resource that addresses one of the most critical challenges facing Nigeria's democracy.
"I commend the authors for bringing together their wealth of journalistic experience to speak boldly and constructively on the need for electoral integrity in our country," he added.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, the SSG expressed optimism that political leaders, candidates, party supporters, and electoral stakeholders would draw valuable lessons from the publication and work collectively to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He emphasized that the responsibility for building a credible electoral system rests on every Nigerian, urging citizens and political actors alike to uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking at the event, the Asiwaju of Osogboland, Retired Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe, praised the authors for their dedication and commitment to producing a book that serves as an important guide for politicians, electoral officials, and democracy advocates.
Justice Adeigbe noted that the publication would contribute significantly to improving Nigeria's electoral system by encouraging issue-based politics, respect for the rule of law, and the conduct of peaceful elections.
Similarly, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, the Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market, Osogbo, and representative of the Ataoja of Osogbo in all markets across the town, expressed appreciation to the authors for their efforts in producing a publication that promotes democratic values.
He described the book as a valuable contribution to national development and encouraged political leaders, public office holders, electoral officials, students, and members of the public to read and apply its lessons.
The unveiling ended with commendations for the authors and renewed calls on politicians, electoral institutions, civil society organizations, and citizens to work together in strengthening Nigeria's democracy through peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
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