Electoral Act Should Be a Core Course in Nigerian Universities — Barr. (Dr.) Sylvester Olumuyiwa Adu Declares at South West Heralds Magazine Awards
A renowned legal luminary, Barrister (Dr.) Sylvester Olumuyiwa Adu, has called for a major reform in civic education in Nigeria, advocating that the Electoral Act be made a core course in all Nigerian universities in order to deepen democratic understanding and strengthen the nation’s electoral system.
Dr. Adu made this passionate declaration while delivering the keynote lecture at the South West Heralds Magazine Award Ceremony held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Ijapo Multi-Purpose Hall, Akure, Ondo State. The prestigious event attracted dignitaries from different sectors of society, including political leaders, professionals, traditional figures, and members of the media who gathered to celebrate excellence and national development.
In his thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Adu stressed that a proper understanding of the Electoral Act by citizens, students, and political actors would significantly improve Nigeria’s democratic process. According to him, when young people are taught the provisions and spirit of the law guiding elections, they will grow into responsible leaders and voters who can protect the sanctity of the ballot.
He lamented that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and politicians have collectively contributed to the distortion of the Electoral Act over the years. According to him, the persistent abuse of the law has weakened the nation’s electoral credibility.
“The truth is that INEC, the police, and politicians have all at different times bastardized the Electoral Act, and in one way or another, we are all guilty of the decay we are witnessing in the practice of our electoral laws,” he said.
The legal scholar further noted that leadership positions should be given strictly on merit and competence rather than political sentiments or personal interests. He decried a situation where people become aggrieved simply because they are not appointed into public offices.
“Some people are angry because they were not made commissioners,” he remarked. “But there is no way things can work effectively when you give the work of a carpenter to a bricklayer. Competence must always guide appointments if we truly desire progress.”
Dr. Adu also urged Nigerians to rise above partisan bitterness and personal animosity when choosing leaders, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of leadership should be the collective welfare of the people.
“If you are my enemy, but you are going to do what will benefit our people, I will vote for you,” he stated firmly. “We should not see those who can give us better representation or improve our lives as threats. Instead, we should see them as a complement to the growth and prosperity of our society.”
Speaking on the development strides in Ondo State, Dr. Adu commended the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, noting that the governor has demonstrated purposeful leadership that is gradually transforming the state’s infrastructure and investment climate.
According to him, recent improvements in road infrastructure and urban lighting have already begun to enhance the state’s attractiveness to investors.
“Some people are casting aspersions on Governor Aiyedatiwa, but I must say that he is doing well. Today, investors can confidently come to Ondo State because our roads are improving and there are functional streetlights from the Airport down to the Government House,” he said.
He further noted that strategic economic projects such as the bitumen exploration initiative and the proposed seaport development are gradually taking shape under the governor’s visionary leadership, urging citizens to support the government’s development agenda.
Earlier in his welcome address. the Publisher of Southwest Heralds Magazine, Otunba Oluwatayo Moses Adu, expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and warmly welcomed dignitaries and guests to the public lecture and award ceremony held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Ondo State Property Development Corporation Event Centre, Ijapo Estate, Akure. He noted that the magazine consistently looks forward to each edition of the event as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development through insightful public lectures while also recognizing and honouring deserving Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.
Otunba Adu explained that the theme of the lecture, “The New Electoral Act: What Do Nigerians Stand to Gain?”, delivered by Hon. Dr. Barr. Sylvester Olumuyiwa Adu (Cubana), was carefully chosen to stimulate greater understanding and encourage active participation of Nigerians in the nation’s democratic process. He also expressed appreciation to the chairman of the occasion, Engr. Ife Oyedele, the guest lecturer, and other dignitaries including Engr. Barr. Akin Omotola, while commending the awardees being inducted into the Southwest Heralds Hall of Fame. He urged the honourees to continue upholding the virtues of integrity, hard work, patriotism, and loyalty to the national creed, and concluded by appreciating the media family, traditional rulers including the Iralepo of Isinkan, as well as his family for their unwavering support toward the success of the event.
Some of the award recipients who spoke with journalists shortly after the ceremony expressed gratitude to the organizers and described the recognition as a motivation to do more for society.
Among those who shared their thoughts were Hon. Oguntodu, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Akure Constituency II, Dr. Olumide Aserere, and Hon. Mrs. Eko-Davids, among other distinguished awardees.
They collectively noted that the honour would further inspire them to continue dedicating their talents, experience, and resources toward the advancement of humanity and the development of Ondo State in particular.
The colourful ceremony, which brought together prominent personalities and stakeholders, stood as a celebration of visionary leadership, civic responsibility, and the enduring quest for a better and more prosperous society..