The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for urgent reforms to limit the influence of money in Nigeria’s political system, stressing that a strong electoral process depends on the independence and effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Keyamo delivered the message at a public lecture marking the 70th birthday of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Olusola Oke in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday. The lecture, titled “Leadership Recruitment in Nigeria: Challenges and the Path Forward,” highlighted the critical need to strengthen institutions overseeing elections.
“It is easy to identify problems. The harder task is to propose solutions. But if we are serious about changing the way we choose our leaders, there are certain steps we must consider,” Keyamo said.
He stressed that INEC, at the center of Nigeria’s electoral process, must enjoy both financial autonomy and insulation from external pressures to ensure credible elections. Keyamo also highlighted the urgent need to regulate campaign financing.
“We must find ways to reduce the influence of money in politics. This includes setting reasonable limits on campaign spending and ensuring greater transparency in how campaigns are funded. It also means considering mechanisms that allow candidates of modest means to compete on a more level playing field,” he said.
The celebrant, Olusola Oke, reflected on his 70-year journey, attributing his successes to divine grace. The legal luminary and former governorship aspirant under multiple political platforms described his life as a testimony of resilience, faith, and accomplishment.
“At 70, I have seen a lot, both in the legal profession and in politics. It has been a journey of challenges, but also of remarkable accomplishments,” Oke said, commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s achievements and expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future. He urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to alleviate poverty and improve citizen welfare.
The lecture also featured a review of Oke’s autobiography, “From the Ocean to the Bar,” by Martins Oloja, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian. Oloja described the book as a narrative of purpose, faith, and endurance, highlighting Oke’s multifaceted career as a singer, teacher, lawyer, and politician.
“The book reinforces the idea that leadership and achievement are products of deliberate choices, sustained discipline, and unwavering faith,” Oloja said, noting Oke’s deep spirituality and gratitude, particularly to Olusegun Agagu, who played a key role in his growth.
The event served both as a celebration of a distinguished life and a platform to advocate for reforms aimed at reducing the role of money in Nigerian politics, strengthening electoral institutions, and fostering more inclusive political participation.
