Former Minister of Works and Housing and ex-Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, has called on opposition parties and political actors to stop focusing solely on the shortcomings of elections and instead respect the decisions made by voters at the polls.
His comments come at a time when debates over election credibility continue to dominate Nigeria’s political space, with opposition parties frequently raising concerns about electoral processes and outcomes. According to reports monitored by Valid9ja, Fashola stressed that while elections may have flaws, they remain one of the most important tools of democracy.
Speaking on the state of Nigeria’s democratic system, Fashola noted that elections are not perfect anywhere in the world. He explained that every country faces challenges during elections, whether related to logistics, technology, voter turnout, or disputes over results. However, he argued that these imperfections should not automatically lead to the rejection of outcomes whenever a political party loses.
The former governor said political leaders must strengthen democratic institutions by encouraging citizens to participate actively in governance rather than creating constant doubts about election results. Valid9ja gathered that Fashola believes democracy grows stronger when political actors accept both victory and defeat in good faith. According to him, disagreements should be addressed through lawful and constitutional channels instead of endless public attacks on electoral processes.
Fashola also emphasized the need for continuous reforms to improve elections in Nigeria. While acknowledging that the electoral system can still be strengthened, he maintained that criticism should be constructive and aimed at improving future elections rather than undermining public confidence in democracy. Information obtained by Valid9ja shows that he urged stakeholders to focus on practical solutions that would enhance transparency, voter education, and trust in democratic institutions.
His remarks are likely to spark discussions across the political landscape, especially among opposition groups that have repeatedly challenged election outcomes in recent years. The statement highlights a broader debate about how Nigeria can balance electoral accountability with political stability. As the country continues to deepen its democratic journey, the ability of political actors to respect established processes remains a key factor in maintaining public trust and national unity.
Fashola’s position touches on an important issue in Nigeria’s democracy. Frequent disputes over election results can weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and increase political tension. At the same time, genuine concerns about election conduct must be addressed to ensure fairness. Finding the right balance between accountability and acceptance of legitimate outcomes is crucial for the country’s democratic growth.
Fashola’s message serves as a reminder that democracy is not only about winning elections but also about respecting the rules of the game. While electoral reforms remain necessary, political leaders across all parties must promote confidence in democratic institutions. Constructive criticism can help improve the system, but constant rejection of outcomes without strong evidence may do more harm than good.