Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on Nigerians to actively hold political leaders accountable and insist on strict adherence to the rule of law, warning that the country would continue to experience repeated governance challenges unless citizens elect credible leaders and demand accountability from those in office.
Osinbajo made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Annual Lecture of the Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation (ACOF), organised by the Lagos Archdiocese Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (LACMON) in Lagos. The lecture was themed, “Rule of Law in Nigeria: The Challenges of Leadership Compliance.”
According to the former Vice President, while politicians are often known for making ambitious promises during election campaigns, it is the responsibility of citizens to scrutinise those promises and ensure elected leaders are capable of fulfilling them.
He lamented the persistent ethnic and religious divisions among Nigerians, including members of the elite class, saying such divisions have often distracted citizens from focusing on the real challenges confronting the nation.
Osinbajo urged Nigerians to vote based on competence, character and capacity rather than ethnic or religious considerations, stressing that accountability must remain a continuous civic duty and not be restricted to election periods.
Speaking on the justice system, he argued that the true measure of the rule of law lies in its ability to protect ordinary citizens and deliver practical justice rather than merely maintaining legal institutions and frameworks.
He noted that most cases before Nigerian courts involve disputes between individuals and organisations rather than government agencies, emphasizing that the ability of citizens to enforce court judgments remains a critical challenge.
Osinbajo advocated a people-centred justice system that focuses on the needs and experiences of ordinary Nigerians. Citing examples involving widows, teachers and low-income earners who have suffered injustice, he said access to effective and timely justice is essential to protecting livelihoods and preserving public confidence in democratic institutions.
He warned that delays in justice delivery contribute to poverty, inequality and social instability, while also eroding trust in government institutions. According to him, citizens who lose faith in formal justice systems may resort to self-help, increasing the risk of community conflicts.
Referencing the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, Osinbajo called for reforms aimed at making justice more affordable, accessible and efficient. He advocated technology-driven processes, legal assistance in local languages and improved data collection on citizens’ legal challenges.
The former Vice President further stressed that the effectiveness of the justice system should be measured by outcomes, including how many people obtain justice, the cost involved and the impact on their lives.
He also criticised excessive legal technicalities that often prolong litigation and undermine justice, stating that judges and lawyers must prioritise constitutional values such as dignity, equality and fairness.
Earlier, Chairman of the ACOF Board of Trustees and Chairman of Globus Bank Limited, Peter Amangbo, said the foundation remained committed to promoting education, empowerment and social welfare in line with the legacy of Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie.
Amangbo disclosed that the foundation spent N80 million on scholarship payments in 2026 and appealed for greater support from corporate organisations and philanthropists.
Also speaking, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, described respect for the rule of law as both a civic and moral obligation. He identified corruption, impunity, political interference and abuse of public office as major threats to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Martins urged Nigerians to reject corruption and injustice while encouraging leaders to govern with integrity, humility and respect for the law.
