“Shehu Sani: Jonathan Unique in Making Reforms Leading to His Own Downfall”
Former federal lawmaker and activist Shehu Sani has made a striking observation about political reform in Nigeria. Speaking at the first Roundtable of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Sani noted that no other Nigerian president has undertaken electoral reforms that contributed to their own downfall except for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, reflected on the unique position Jonathan held in the context of political reforms. He praised Jonathan for his bold actions, such as appointing a Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) whom he had never met and introducing a data capturing machine that, ironically, became a factor in his political decline.
Addressing the theme of the discussion, “The Role of the Judiciary in Nigeria’s Democratic Sustainability,” Sani criticized the lack of integrity among politicians and questioned why institutions like the judiciary, INEC, and the Presidency are not seen as the ultimate safeguard for the common man. He emphasized the disconnect between the idealism of activists and the pragmatism of politicians, suggesting that while activists hold clear moral positions, politicians often do not.
Sani’s comments highlight the paradox of political reform in Nigeria—where efforts to improve the system can sometimes backfire and contribute to a leader’s political challenges. His insights reflect a broader debate about the effectiveness and risks of implementing significant reforms in a politically complex environment.