Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, has called for political corruption to be treated with the same level of seriousness and penalties as financial crimes, arguing that it undermines democracy and good governance.

Ozekhome made this call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled Has Democracy Led to Good Governance in Nigeria? At the Midwest Achievers Awards in Benin City, Edo State.

The legal luminary, who was honoured with the Defender of Democracy award at the event, decried what he described as the unchecked impunity of the political elite, whom he accused of manipulating the system to their advantage.

He stated, “Political corruption should be aggressively tackled with the same seriousness and penalties as financial crimes.

“Too often, it is overlooked because those involved wield significant power.”

Citing Nigeria’s history of electoral malpractice, Ozekhome noted that elections in the country have been riddled with manipulation and voter exploitation.

He advocated for post-election adjudication processes that not only determine winners but also impose penalties, including imprisonment and fines, on politicians and their agents who violate electoral rules.

He added, “Free and fair elections are the foundation of legitimacy, transparency, and accountability.

“They must be safeguarded to ensure leaders remain accountable to the people.”

Earlier, the Director of Organisation, Midwest Achievers Awards, Owen Omo-Ojo, said the event was designed to recognise individuals who have demonstrated excellence, resilience, and ethical leadership while inspiring positive change in their communities. (The PUNCH)