By Oshinaike omomayowa
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, has called for urgent reforms to restore integrity to Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that credible elections are the foundation of good governance and national stability.
He spoke Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the 8th Annual Lecture of Penpushing Media held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
The lecture, themed “Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability” , drew policymakers, media leaders, legal minds, and civil society actors to assess Nigeria’s democratic journey ahead of 2027.
Chairperson of the anniversary lecture, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, confirmed that Falana delivered the keynote address physically, alongside four panelists who dissected challenges of democratic consolidation.
Falana: Start with Primaries, End Vote-Buying
Falana said electoral integrity must begin with political party primaries.
He cited the EFCC chairman’s revelation that politicians spent over N39 billion on primary elections, and lamented that Nigerian youths are now being used as political thugs.
“Electoral integrity is conducting election in accordance with the law,” Falana said.
“The welfare of the people shall be the primary concern of government” according to Section 14 of the Constitution.
He also referenced Section 15, which provides for free education from primary to junior secondary school.
He urged Nigerians not to generalize corruption in the judiciary, noting that bad lawyers who lose cases often blame the other side for “paying higher.”
He referenced the death of a young lady on June 27 allegedly linked to the house of the Minister of Works, to stress the need for accountability.
Falana commended Penpushing Media’s editorial board and planning committee for their foresight and relevance in the media industry.
Dignitaries Reflect on Governance and Legacy The Father of the Day, Hon. Justice Oladeinde Shoremi, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, drew the audience’s attention to leadership by example.
He recalled an incident in 1957 involving the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
According to him, he and a friend had gone to pluck sherri mangoes and were stranded looking for a cab back to town when Chief Awolowo stopped, gave them a lift, and dropped them off.
“That, to me, is governance,” Justice Shoremi said, linking the act to service and humility in public office.
Mother of the Day, Ambassador Olutokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc and Publishers of Nigerian Tribune, was represented by Alhaji Shina Oladeinde, Chief Editor of Tribune.
In her message, she said the theme speaks directly to one of the defining challenges of our time, adding that good governance and accountability do not begin after elections but during elections.
She described Penpushing’s integrity as indispensable to stability and governance.
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by Bolaji Ahmed as Special Guest of Honor.
He commended Penpushing for promoting excellence in journalism and enriching public discourse.
Other guests acknowledged include: Barrister Ogunmodede, Legal Consultant; Chief Sonuke, former Editorial Board member; Hon. Kayode, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Ogun State; representatives of Billsbox, Channels Television, and Future Initiatives.
Penpushing at 8: Credibility and Consistency Founder of Penpushing, Mr. Dimeji Olawale, was celebrated for 8 years of consistent, fact-based and independent reporting.
Mrs. Oluyemisi Kayode, Founder of Penpushing, and Mr. Oluremi Olugbenro, General Secretary of Paramount FM, were also recognized for their contributions.
Speakers noted that people choose Penpushing because of its credibility and commitment to authentic information.
Mr. Adeniyi, NIPR Nigeria Chairman, said Prince Adedeji and Penpushing have raised the bar in online reporting and community newspapering.
Dr. Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, asked: “Do we involve in constitutional democracy?” He submitted that restoring electoral integrity is what will keep Nigeria united as a nation.
Penpushing Media, owners of an online newspaper and television and the first to commence media operations in Abeokuta where journalism began in Nigeria in 1895, was praised for 8 years of standing out for truth, speed, and high standards.
The event ended with a call for the media, citizens, and institutions to defend electoral integrity as the pathway to accountable governance.
