TOFAC 2026: Attahiru Jega On Reimagining Citizenship, Democratic Ethics, And The Moral Future Of The Nigerian State - New Times Newspaper | Latest Nigeria News, Breaking News, Top News

As Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its democratic journey, the upcoming TOFAC 2026 conference promises to be a pivotal platform for intellectual discourse on the nation’s future. Among the distinguished speakers is Prof. Attahiru Jega, a name synonymous with electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria. His address is expected to focus on three transformative themes: reimagining citizenship, democratic ethics, and the moral future of the Nigerian state. For Nigerians across Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and beyond, Jega’s insights carry profound relevance, offering a roadmap for addressing systemic challenges and fostering a more inclusive and ethical society.

TOFAC, or the Towards a New Africa Conference, is an annual gathering that brings together policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, and citizens to engage in meaningful conversations about Africa’s future. This year’s edition, themed around Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, could not be more timely. With elections looming and societal tensions simmering, Jega’s contributions—rooted in his decades of experience as a scholar, administrator, and reformer—provide a much-needed lens to examine Nigeria’s path forward.

For Nigerians, the stakes are high. The country grapples with issues such as citizenship inequality, electoral disenfranchisement, and corruption, which erode trust in democratic institutions. Jega’s emphasis on reimagining citizenship and democratic ethics directly addresses these challenges, offering potential solutions that could inspire collective action and policy reforms.

This article explores what Prof. Jega’s vision entails, why it resonates with Nigeria’s current realities, and how his ideas could catalyze meaningful change across the country’s major cities and regions.

Citizenship in Nigeria is often reduced to a legal document—an ID card or a voter’s card—but Prof. Jega’s perspective suggests a deeper, more moral and participatory understanding of what it means to be Nigerian. His focus on reimagining citizenship likely centers on three key dimensions:

1. Inclusive Participation: Ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of region, religion, or socioeconomic status, have meaningful opportunities to engage in governance. This includes addressing barriers such as voter apathy, discrimination in electoral processes, and limited access to information. In cities like Lagos and Abuja, where urbanization and migration have created diverse populations, inclusive citizenship becomes even more critical.
2. Social Contract Renewal: Reinvigorating the bargain between the state and its citizens, where both parties uphold mutual obligations. For instance, citizens must fulfill their civic duties, while the state must deliver on services like education, healthcare, and security. Jega’s insights here could challenge Nigerians to reflect on how they contribute to—and demand from—their government.
3. Cultural and Ethical Foundations: Grounding citizenship in shared values such as responsibility, accountability, and mutual respect. This is particularly relevant in a country as diverse as Nigeria, where ethnic and religious tensions often overshadow national unity. Jega’s emphasis on ethics could provide a framework for fostering national cohesion despite differences.

In practical terms, this reimagining could translate into policies such as mandatory civic education in schools, transparency reforms in local governance, and community-led initiatives to bridge divides. For example, programs in Kano or Port Harcourt that empower youth to participate in local decision-making align with Jega’s vision of active citizenship.

‘Citizenship is not merely a status but a dynamic relationship between the individual and the state, built on trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose.’

For Nigerians, this means moving beyond passive citizenship—where individuals expect services without contributing—to an active, ethical, and engaged form of belonging.

Nigeria’s democratic journey has been marked by both progress and setbacks, from the transition to civilian rule in 1999 to the ongoing debates over electoral reforms. Prof. Jega’s focus on democratic ethics underscores the need for a moral framework to guide these processes. His address at TOFAC 2026 is likely to highlight how ethics can address corruption, nepotism, and the erosion of public trust.

• Anti-Corruption Measures: Jega’s tenure at INEC demonstrated his commitment to transparency and fairness. His call for democratic ethics may include advocating for independent anti-corruption agencies, whistleblower protections, and financial accountability in public office. In a country where corruption is estimated to cost billions annually, ethical governance is not just idealistic—it is necessary for survival.
• Leadership Integrity: The moral character of leaders—from presidents to local councilors—directly impacts the nation’s trajectory. Jega’s emphasis on ethics could encourage Nigerians to demand honest leadership, merit-based appointments, and zero-tolerance policies for misconduct. This is particularly relevant ahead of elections, where candidates’ ethical records often take center stage.
• Media and Civic Responsibility: A free and ethical press is vital for democratic health. Jega’s insights may address how media outlets can uphold truth, avoid sensationalism, and amplify constructive dialogue. In cities like Lagos, where media influence is significant, responsible journalism can shape public discourse for the better.

The implications of democratic ethics extend beyond politics. For businesses in Nigeria, ethical practices can enhance reputation, investor confidence, and long-term sustainability. In technology, ethical AI and data governance could position Nigeria as a leader in digital responsibility on the African continent.

Jega’s call for ethical governance also resonates with Nigeria’s youth—a demographic that is increasingly vocal about accountability and transparency. Movements like #EndSARS and Youth-led advocacy groups reflect a growing demand for ethical leadership, and TOFAC 2026 could provide a platform for aligning these grassroots efforts with systemic change.

At its core, Prof. Jega’s vision for Nigeria’s moral future is about rebuilding trust between institutions and citizens. The Nigerian state has faced criticism for inefficiency, favoritism, and a lack of empathy toward its people. Jega’s address is likely to propose solutions that restore faith in the system, including:

1. Restorative Justice: Moving beyond punitive measures to address societal harm, Jega may advocate for reconciliation programs, community-based conflict resolution, and restorative policing. This approach could help heal divisions in states like Kano, where ethnic and religious tensions occasionally flare.
2. Inclusive Economic Policies: The moral future of Nigeria cannot be separated from its economic trajectory. Jega’s insights may include calls for equitable wealth distribution, youth employment initiatives, and support for local industries. In Lagos, where economic disparities are stark, policies that reduce unemployment and promote entrepreneurship could foster stability.
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