The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the role of money in Nigeria's political system must be addressed for the country to have a sound electoral process.
Keyamo also said there was a need to reduce money influence in the process.
The minister stated this at a public lecture delivered to mark the 70th birthday of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Olusola Oke, in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday.
The lecture, titled "Leadership Recruitment in Nigeria: Challenges and the Path Forward," saw the minister call for the Independent National Electoral Commission to be strengthened if the country was serious about choosing leaders.
He said, "It is easy to identify problems. The harder task is to propose solutions. But if we are serious about changing the way we choose our leaders, there are certain steps we must consider.
"The first is to strengthen the institutions that conduct elections. INEC sits at the centre of our electoral process. For it to perform effectively, it must have the independence and resources it needs.
"This means guaranteeing its financial autonomy and insulating it from external pressures. When the body responsible for conducting elections is weak, elections themselves are unlikely to be strong. We should also address the role of money in the electoral process.
"We must find ways to reduce the influence of money in politics. This includes setting reasonable limits on campaign spending and ensuring greater transparency in how campaigns are funded.
"It also means considering mechanisms that allow candidates of modest means to compete on a more level playing field. If we do not regulate the flow of money, money will continue to dictate the flow of power."
The celebrant, Olusola Oke, attributed his journey over the past 70 years to the grace of God, describing his life as a testimony of divine favour, resilience, and accomplishment.
The legal luminary, a former governorship aspirant of the APC, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Alliance for Democracy in Ondo State, said his life story reflected both challenges and triumphs across his career as a legal professional and politician.
"At 70, I have seen a lot, both in the legal profession and in politics. It has been a journey of challenges, but also of remarkable accomplishments," he stated.
Oke commended President Bola Tinubu over the achievements of his administration and expressed optimism about Nigeria's future, saying the current challenges confronting the nation would soon pass.
"He charged government at all levels to intensify efforts toward ending poverty and improving the welfare of citizens," he said.
Thanking his political associates and leaders who had contributed to his growth, as well as his family, friends, and traditional and religious leaders, the senior advocate said the occasion served as a renewed call to dedicate himself to the service of humanity and national development.
A former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, who reviewed Oke's autobiography titled "From the Ocean to the Bar," described the book as a story of purpose shaped by calling, endurance, and faith.
Oloja noted that the book revealed the author's multi-faceted life as a singer, teacher, lawyer, and politician, while offering key lessons for young readers, including the power of grace, humility, gratitude, and the role of God in one's calling.
Oloja highlighted the author's deep spirituality, seen in his refusal to blame anyone for near-death experiences and his open affirmation of Christian faith.
He said this underscored Oke's strong sense of gratitude, particularly his tribute to Olusegun Agagu, whom he credited as instrumental to his growth.
"Overall, the book is presented as a guide to disciplined, faith-driven and purposeful living. Through its blend of personal history and moral instruction, the book reinforces the idea that leadership and achievement are products of deliberate choices, sustained discipline, and unwavering faith," he stressed.