Akintunde Delivers Nigeria’s 65th Independence Lecture at Yemi Faroumbi Colloquium

Senator Yunus Akintunde has called on stakeholders within Nigeria’s political landscape to remain committed to the urgent political reforms required ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

He made this position known during the First Independence Public Lecture, held in Ibadan on October 1st, as part of the Independence Anniversary celebrations organized by the Yemi Faroumbi Colloquium Initiative in collaboration with Honor TV and Radio Media Group.

The event had in attendance the Convener of the Colloquium, Ambassador Yemi Faroumbi; the Chairman of the occasion, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke; Mrs. Alaba Adeniyi, Administrative Secretary of INEC in Oyo State; Comrade Femi Adebisi; top management of Honor Media Group led by Mr. Seun Awodele, Director of Operations; Mr. Yinka Agboola Editor in chief of Parrot newsmagazine; and several other dignitaries. Discussions centered on a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s electoral system, with a collective resolve for urgent reforms.

Senator Akintunde, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Kunle Olatunji, served as the Guest Lecturer at the occasion.

In his well-researched lecture titled “Recalibrating Nigeria's Electoral Architecture: Legal, Technological and Institutional Reforms for the 2027 Elections,” Senator Akintunde examined the progress and persistent challenges of Nigeria’s electoral processes. He provided deep insights and practical recommendations on the legal, technological, and institutional reforms required to guarantee credible elections and strengthen democratic values.

According to him, Nigeria’s past experiences have shown the urgent need to recalibrate the nation’s electoral architecture. He stressed that as the 2027 elections approach, reforms in these critical areas are necessary to avoid a repeat of the pitfalls and unpleasant experiences that have marred past electoral processes.

He further emphasized that Nigeria possesses the capacity to realign its electoral system with global best practices, ensuring that leaders are elected based on competence, vision, and ability to deliver quality governance that drives economic growth and national development.

Other speakers at the event, including the Chairman of the occasion, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, reinforced the need for reforms—particularly institutional reforms—as a foundation upon which other necessary changes must rest. He noted that sincerity, commitment, and human capacity development remain the most critical drivers of any successful political system.

In her separate address, Mrs. Alaba Adeniyi, INEC Administrative Secretary in Oyo State, assured of the Commission’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to improve future elections through voter education, intensive training, efficient deployment of technology-driven processes, and stronger advocacy for INEC’s financial and operational autonomy.

In his remarks, Ambassador Yemi Faroumbi expressed gratitude to Senator Yunus Akintunde, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, and other dignitaries who graced the event. He pledged that the Colloquium initiative would continue to grow into a global brand, with future expansions already in view.