By Sonnie Ekwowusi
It is no longer news that former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, representing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious in Ghana’s 2024 presidential election. It is not boring to continue to comment on the integrity of Ghana’s 2024 presidential election.
The election has been widely applauded and adjudged by both local and international observers as a flawless and transparent process, devoid of significant violence, despite the tragic shooting deaths of two Ghanaians and some isolated incidents of unrest during the polls. For us in Nigeria, that election should serve as a template in the build-up to the 2027 presidential election.
In securing victory, Mahama garnered 56.55% of the votes, defeating his main rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who obtained 41.61%. This marks Mahama’s historic comeback to power after an eight-year hiatus, following his tenure as president from 2012 to 2017. Mahama’s triumph also secured a parliamentary majority for the NDC, granting him significant leverage to implement his proposed reforms.
President-elect Mahama was sworn in on January 7, 2025. On that day he addressed Ghana’s pressing economic challenges, including allegations of corruption, spiraling inflation, and a debt crisis inherited from the outgoing administration.
Ghana’s successful presidential election has once again reaffirmed the country’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. The election serves as a template for other nations on the continent, standing out for its seamless organization, peaceful conduct, and democratic integrity. Ghana’s commendable election reinforces the idea that transparent, accountable, and hitch-free democracies can thrive in Africa without rancor, acrimony, or a spirit of revenge.
Of course, no election is completely flawless. Ghana has experienced its share of electoral challenges and disruptions over the years. For example, competition between the two major political parties, the NPP and the NDC, often heightens tensions during election periods. Despite ongoing efforts to curb electoral malpractices, reports of vote-buying and minor cases of intimidation occasionally emerge in Ghanaian elections.
However, compared to Nigeria and many African countries, Ghana is often praised for conducting relatively transparent and peaceful presidential elections. There is no doubt that other African nations can draw several important lessons from Ghana’s recent democratic success. If replicated, Ghana’s model of democracy could improve governance across the continent, foster stability, and promote international confidence in African democratic systems.
Moreover, Ghana’s political stability and democratic governance continue to serve as an example of progress on the continent. Political opposition leaders across Africa can learn from the loyalty, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by Ghana’s political opposition. Notably, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat promptly, even before the official results were finalized, helping to ease post-election tensions. In a remarkable display of good sportsmanship, Bawumia stated: “The people of Ghana have spoken; the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility.”
Former political opposition leaders in Ghana have displayed the same spirit of sportsmanship exemplified by Bawumia over the years. For example, former President John Atta Mills remained in opposition until he won the election that brought him to power as President of Ghana in 2008. Mills contested the presidency for the first time in the 2000 elections as the NDC candidate, following Jerry Rawlings’ two terms. However, he lost to John Agyekum Kufuor, the candidate of the NPP. Mills tried again in 2004 but was once again defeated by Kufuor, who was seeking re-election.
Despite his losses, Mills remained steadfast in his loyalty to the NDC. He did not cross over to the NPP or any other political party but continued to work within the NDC to strengthen the party and prepare for future elections. On his third attempt, Mills won the 2008 presidential election, narrowly defeating Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP in a highly competitive runoff. His perseverance paid off, and he became Ghana’s president in January 2009. Mills’ steadfast loyalty to the NDC and his eventual success underscore the importance of resilience and commitment in politics. His journey also reinforces the democratic values of Ghana, where peaceful transitions of power and respect for political diversity are hallmarks of the system.
African politicians should therefore prioritize the national interest over personal ambition, accept election outcomes, and encourage their supporters to maintain peace. Nigeria, in particular, should draw greater inspiration from Ghana’s credible presidential election process. For instance, the Ghanaian election was generally peaceful. Campaigns centered on addressing Ghana’s economic difficulties, such as unemployment and inflation, resonated with voters. There was a 60.9% voter turnout, reflecting efforts to engage citizens in the democratic process.
Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) demonstrated impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in managing the election process. Their impeccable planning and resource management, focusing on essentials like logistics and voter education, resulted in a smooth election devoid of major disruptions. Curiously, in his appraisal of Ghana’s presidential elections, the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated: “We are grateful that the election has gone very well. The process and its outcome so far have been commendable.”
What a paradox!. Prof. Yakubu who could not organize an impartial, transparent and credible Presidential election in Nigeria in 2023 is turning round to applaud Ghana’s flawless presidential election. It would be recalled that Nigeria’s INEC not only faced numerous challenges in the 2023 presidential election despite its enormous budget but Prof Yakubu rigged the 2023 Presidential election in favour of the APC. Shame on Prof. Yakubu. He has brought infamy and opprobrium to Nigeria’s academia. Key technologies, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), designed to enhance transparency, failed at crucial moments during the presidential election.
The path to electoral credibility in Nigeria lies in addressing these systemic shortcomings such as corruption of electoral umpires such as INEC and prioritizing the integrity of its democratic processes. Without major reforms, public confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s elections will continue to wane. Therefore, Nigeria needs a new INEC Chairman appointed by the people of Nigeria not by President Tinubu. He who pays the piper dictates its tune. If President Tinubu retains Prof. Yakubu or solely appoints the next INEC Chairman, he would again emerge as President in 2027.
Or, put differently, the 2027 Presidential election will be rigged by INEC in favour of the APC if Prof. Yakubu is retained as INEC Chairman or if President Tinubu is allowed to single-handedly appoint the next INEC Chairman.
While Nigeria prides itself as the giant of Africa and the most populous nation on the continent, it has yet to get its elections right. On the other hand, Ghana and other smaller nations have managed to organize credible elections that their citizens are proud of. The chairperson of Ghana’s EC is noted for being transparent and impartial. Ghana’s electoral process is relatively straightforward, minimizing logistical hurdles.
Ghana’s electoral credibility underscores the importance of efficient planning, fiscal discipline, and public trust in achieving credible elections. Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has built its credibility over the years through transparent operations and stakeholder engagement. This trust has helped reduce tensions and foster public confidence in the electoral process.
In contrast, Nigeria’s INEC struggles with a deficit of trust, stemming from allegations of incompetence and bias. This mistrust often leads to voter apathy, protests, and prolonged disputes over election outcomes. Moreover, Nigeria’s elections are more complex, with multiple contests held simultaneously across federal, state, and local levels. This complexity often overwhelms INEC, resulting in operational failures. Therefore, INEC should be allowed to operate impartially and independently. The appointment of the INEC Chairman, Returning Officers, and other key personnel should be removed from the influence of President Tinubu or the ruling party.
Democracy, as has been repeatedly said, rests on many assumptions. One such assumption is that men possess enough wisdom and virtue to pursue the primary goal of democracy: promoting the welfare of the people. However, viewed against the backdrop of history, it becomes evident that men often lack the wisdom and virtue necessary to achieve this goal. Democracy is frequently challenged from within by ignorance and the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of the common good and public welfare.
If Nigerian democracy must yield the so-called democratic dividends, it must develop a national character—a unifying character that defines democracy and establishes moral parameters within which it should operate to promote the well-being of the people. Without such character, politics and political activities in Nigeria, to borrow the words of Frédéric Bastiat, the French political economist and philosopher, become nothing more than legalized plunder.
In all democracies, especially presidential systems, sovereignty resides with the people. Through periodic elections and other means of civic participation, the people determine who governs them and how they are governed. Unfortunately, Nigerian democracy has consistently elevated scallywags, thieves, imbeciles, undisciplined rabble, and men of cheap appetites to positions of power, entrusting them with the sacred duty of governing their fellow citizens. This is deeply disheartening.
Therefore, we must reinvent and rebuild our democracy in Nigeria. We can no longer afford to take democracy for granted. We must envision a democracy that guarantees freedom, shared beliefs, shared values, and liberating principles.
