By Sam Agogo
On March 22, Nigerians once again celebrated Professor Nnenna Oti, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), for her historic role in safeguarding democracy during the 2023 Abia State governorship election. Three years after that defining moment, her name continues to stand as a symbol of courage, integrity, and the triumph of principle over corruption.
As the Returning Officer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), she was thrust into the eye of the storm. Political actors, desperate to manipulate the outcome, resorted to intimidation, threats, and staggering financial inducements. It is widely believed that promises of millions, even billions, and properties—perhaps houses in Abuja, Lagos, or abroad—may have been part of the inducements offered to sway her. Yet she stood firm, declaring that the people’s votes must count. Her words, “If I perish, I perish. The pastor and the mother in me will not allow me to do anything that will harm the future of our children,” became a rallying cry for electoral justice and a reminder that democracy can only thrive when individuals choose principle over profit.
Her courage was not accidental. It was forged through decades of sacrifice. After spending more than 20 years of her life to become a professor, she understood the priceless value of integrity and the weight of her name. Politicians may believe that a career built over decades can be reduced to a briefcase of cash, but Professor Oti proved them wrong. She insisted on using the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to verify results, exposing inflated figures and correcting “magical votes.” Her actions ensured the election of Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party, reshaping Abia’s political landscape and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
For her courage, she was honoured with the Woman of the Year Leadership Excellence Award in 2023. Governor Alex Otti himself acknowledged her role and pledged to honour her for safeguarding democracy. Across Nigeria and beyond, she is hailed as a fearless Amazon and Iron Lady whose name has become synonymous with integrity. Today, Abia State’s development is often traced back to her bold stand, which ensured a peaceful transition of power and a government rooted in legitimacy.
But her story is not just about celebration—it is also a warning. As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, electoral officers and professors entrusted with safeguarding democracy must ask themselves: will I be tempted to collect millions or billions and rubbish my name? Will I allow threats to destroy the reputation I have built over decades? The truth is simple: no house in Abuja, Lagos, or abroad is worth destroying one’s honour. Integrity outlives riches, and history remembers those who defend truth.
Society too must play its part. We must stop rewarding those who betray democracy with honours. It is a shameful practice to give chieftancy titles, awards, or recognition to individuals who collected money and did evil against the people. Such actions embolden corruption and erode the sanctity of the ballot. Instead, we must celebrate and uplift those who, like Prof. Oti, chose principle over profit and stood firm against intimidation.
On March 22, she was celebrated not because she sought fame, but because she chose to stand for what is right. Her legacy challenges every Nigerian: when faced with temptation, threats, or intimidation, will you protect democracy—or betray it? In the end, history will not remember the money you took, but the principles you upheld.
The warning must be loud and clear: electoral officers and returning officers hold the future of Nigeria in their hands. They can either write their names in gold, as Prof. Oti did, or stain them forever by succumbing to greed. The millions offered will vanish, the politicians who bought them will discard them, and the shame will remain. But integrity, once defended, becomes a legacy that generations will celebrate.
Professor Nnenna Oti has shown the path. She proved that democracy cannot be bought. It is now up to others to decide whether they will follow her example or betray the nation.
For comments, reflection, and further conversation:
Email: samuelagogo4one@yahoo.com
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