Former Acting National Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Alani Bankole, expressed the view that democracy might not be the most suitable system of government for Nigeria.
However, he emphasized that Nigeria should not revert to military rule and should instead adopt a system that takes into account the nation’s unique challenges and characteristics. Bankole, who is the father of former House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Dimeji Bankole, shared these thoughts after being unveiled as the Apena of Egbaland by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He stressed the importance of building strong institutions to support good governance as a means of achieving progress in the country. Bankole noted that while democracy may not be the best fit for Nigeria, it offers the advantage of ensuring political leaders do not rule indefinitely. He acknowledged that the practice of democracy varies between countries, citing differences between the United States, the United Kingdom, and African nations like Nigeria. He highlighted the need for institutions of checks and balances in Nigeria’s democracy, suggesting that the country has not yet developed these adequately.
In addition, the Alake of Egbaland reiterated his call for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria, emphasizing that traditional leaders must actively participate in national affairs to help maintain peace and stability in the country. He argued that sidelining traditional rulers could lead to chaos.
