Murder Of Democracy: The Case of Madam Muheebah Adenike Dankaka and Kwara South
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Every election season, Nigerians are urged to participate in the democratic process. Political leaders travel across the country asking citizens to register, vote, and defend democracy. Yet, long before the first ballot is cast in a general election, democracy is often tested and in many cases undermined within the political parties themselves.
The true measure of democracy is not only how elections are conducted but also how political parties choose those who will appear on the ballot. When the wishes of party members are ignored, primary election results are disputed or altered, and candidates emerge through influence rather than popular support, democracy begins to lose its meaning.
The controversy surrounding the APC senatorial ticket in Kwara South has once again brought this long-standing problem into sharp focus. Beyond the fate of one aspirant, the dispute has reignited a national conversation about internal democracy, political accountability and whether the voices of ordinary party members still matter.
The Crisis of Internal Democracy
For years, Nigerians have complained that internal democracy remains one of the weakest links in the country’s political system. Across party lines, allegations of manipulated primaries, delegate inducement, candidate substitution and political interference have continued to dominate election cycles.
As the governing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) inevitably attracts greater public attention whenever such controversies arise.
Political parties are expected to be institutions where leadership is earned through competition, public support and transparent procedures. Instead, many critics argue that decisions are increasingly influenced by powerful political figures whose preferences override those of ordinary members.
When that happens, party primaries become mere formalities rather than genuine democratic contests.
Kwara South: A Test Case
The events surrounding the APC senatorial nomination in Kwara South have become one of the most discussed examples of these concerns.
Madam Muheebah Adenike Dankaka entered the race with the support of many party members who regarded her as a committed grassroots politician. Her supporters insist that she secured victory during the party’s primary process and earned the confidence of delegates.
However, the eventual emergence of another candidate sparked controversy and allegations that the decision did not reflect the outcome of the primary election.
Regardless of differing accounts, the dispute has fuelled broader concerns about how candidates emerge within political parties and whether internal democratic processes are being respected.
The matter also carries symbolic importance because Dankaka was considered one of the very few female aspirants seeking a Senate seat under the APC in Northern Nigeria. At a time when political parties continue to advocate greater inclusion of women, many observers argue that protecting the integrity of party primaries is essential to encouraging more women to seek elective office.
Allegations That Require Due Process
Public discussions surrounding the Kwara South controversy have included allegations involving the eventual candidate.
Media reports have referred to an ongoing case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning alleged financial misconduct. The case remains before the courts, and no conviction has been recorded. Under Nigerian law, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
There have also been allegations circulating in the public domain that financial inducements influenced the candidate selection process. These claims remain allegations and have not been judicially established.
The existence of such controversies highlights the importance of transparency, fairness and accountability in party affairs.
Democracy Begins Before Election Day
Many Nigerians associate democracy with voting on election day. However, democracy begins much earlier with the process through which political parties select their candidates.
If party members lose confidence in that process, public trust in the entire electoral system suffers.
Candidates who emerge through transparent and competitive primaries are generally better positioned to enjoy legitimacy and accountability than those whose emergence is clouded by controversy.
Respecting the choices made during party primaries strengthens political participation and reinforces public confidence in democratic institutions.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, every political party faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust.
For the APC, ensuring transparent internal processes may be as important as presenting attractive campaign promises.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the leader of the ruling party, is expected by many members to promote fairness, strengthen party institutions and encourage respect for democratic procedures.
Doing so could help reinforce confidence among party faithful and the wider electorate.
The Way Forward
The lessons from Kwara South point to the need for lasting reforms within political parties.
Primary elections should be transparent, credible and respected except where the law provides otherwise. Internal party mechanisms should discourage arbitrary substitutions and strengthen confidence in democratic procedures.
Political parties should also make deliberate efforts to encourage and protect women’s political participation by ensuring that female aspirants receive equal opportunities throughout the nomination process.
Ultimately, democracy cannot flourish where political decisions are driven by influence rather than the expressed wishes of party members.
Conclusion
The Kwara South controversy is about more than a single senatorial ticket. It raises fundamental questions about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of the institutions responsible for producing future leaders.
If political parties truly believe that power belongs to the people, then the voices of their members must remain supreme throughout the electoral process.
Democracy is strongest when leaders emerge through transparent competition, not controversy. As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, restoring confidence in internal party democracy may prove to be one of the country’s most important political reforms.