Adele Jinadu

Liasu Adele Jinadu is a Nigerian political scientist and scholar of democracy, federalism and electoral politics. Quotes We must avoid being ensnarled by the fetishism of design, particularly the fetishism of constitutional design. Jinadu was discussing Nigeria's federal structure and the recurring argument that constitutional restructuring. Constitutional design or restructuring is important, can make a difference, and does matter. He acknowledged that constitutional design matters while arguing that it should not be treated as a final solution to Nigeria's democratic and federal problems. The material context is the rentier character of the Nigerian state, as the site for “booty” capitalism and for the application of force not only in political competition but also in appropriating surplus. Jinadu was explaining why electoral controversies persist in Nigeria. He identified both the material and cultural environments surrounding Nigerian party and electoral politics as important factors. The cultural context, arising from the structural context, is the cultural and psychological environment, which encourages, even demands a zero-sum or do-or-die attitude, which drives electoral politics. Jinadu was analysing the cultural and psychological factors that contribute to highly competitive and contentious electoral politics in Nigeria. We must say clearly that elections are not ends in themselves. Jinadu was discussing electoral democracy and the need to understand elections as mechanisms within a broader democratic system rather than as isolated political events. The apparent spiralling cost of Nigeria’s elections in recent years is partly due to the administrative and the high technology integrity cost of ensuring and strengthening electoral integrity in the country. Jinadu was explaining the reasons for the increasing cost of elections in Nigeria and distinguishing legitimate administrative and technological costs from allegations of financial padding. "The private sector needs to demonstrate firm support for the long-term potential that democratic elections hold out as mechanisms for sustainable development, peace and security in the ECOWAS region. Jinadu was explaining the reasoning behind a proposal for an election tax on private-sector profits to help finance elections in ECOWAS countries. The genius of the founding fathers of the Nigerian federation was in opting for federalism. In a 2024 interview, Jinadu was discussing whether Nigeria still operates a genuine federal system and the historical decision of Nigeria's founding political leaders to adopt federalism. The challenge posed for the country by the current demand for restructuring is that of filling the huge deficit of transformative and visionary Pan-Nigerian leadership. Jinadu was discussing the demand for restructuring and argued that constitutional or structural changes would not by themselves resolve Nigeria's problems without transformative national leadership. The chapter exemplifies the “virtues of federalism” and democracy. Jinadu was discussing Chapter II of Nigeria's Constitution and its relevance to democratic political culture, federalism and the process of building a Nigerian state based on unity in diversity. There are certain things I wish I could have done, other things I wish I should not have done; that is all part of this nostalgia and reminiscences. Jinadu was reflecting on his life experiences and the choices he made during his career. He described this reflection as part of looking back on his life with nostalgia and reminiscence. You shouldn’t have regrets because you made the best decision you could make, with your faith in God. Jinadu was responding to a question about regrets in his life and career. He reflected on the decisions he had made and the circumstances in which those decisions were taken. It was a humbling experience that enabled me to appreciate the importance and richness of diversity. Jinadu was reflecting on his experiences in the prestigious positions he had held. He connected those experiences with his appreciation of diversity and the relationships among different communities. It underscored for me the bonding force of diversity in strengthening our shared humanity, anchored on respect, mutuality, reciprocity, and solidarity. Jinadu was explaining what he learned from his experiences in public and academic positions, particularly the value of diversity and the principles he regarded as important to relationships among people. But there are serious indications that our federal system is dangerously moving towards failure. Jinadu was assessing the state of Nigeria's federal system and discussing what he saw as growing problems in the country's political structure and democratic practice. The drift down the political disaster is evident in the current gap in the elite accord driving our politics since the end of our civil war. Jinadu was discussing the deterioration of Nigeria's political system, linking it to divisions among political elites and the increasing criminalisation of electoral politics. The basic challenge is the complex combination of the toxic environment of competitive party and electoral politics and the political economy of Nigeria’s human development deficits. Jinadu was discussing the major obstacles to electoral reform in Nigeria. He linked electoral problems to both the competitive political environment and broader socioeconomic conditions. Category:Political scientists from Nigeria