Peter University Develops "Democracy Without Fear" Model for Successful Election in Unubi, Anambra State

Peter University has demonstrated the practical value of innovative democratic leadership models through its intervention in the successful conduct of an election in Unubi, Anambra State.

The initiative was driven by the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences of the University, led by the pioneer Acting Dean, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emefiena Ezeani. The faculty developed a leadership recruitment model known as the Corporate Collegial Democracy Model of Leadership Recruitment, also referred to as "Democracy Without Fear."

The model represents an innovative approach to democratic leadership recruitment, particularly within African societies and other multi-ethnic communities, where elections can sometimes be characterized by intense competition, ethnic considerations, intimidation, rancour, and other challenges that may undermine the emergence of competent leaders.

The Corporate Collegial Democracy Model was designed primarily for African countries and multi-ethnic societies. Its central objective is to create a structured democratic process through which leaders are selected based not merely on popularity or financial influence, but on character, integrity, competence, capacity, and demonstrated commitment to the common good.

The model is founded on the principle that leadership recruitment should be deliberate, transparent, inclusive, and structured in such a manner that competent and ethically grounded individuals have a genuine opportunity to emerge.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was visibly pleased with the practical application of the model in Unubi, Anambra State, said that the present so-called democracy as practiced in Nigeria is a very weak copy-and-paste version which has succeeded in alienating the people from whom every democratic power is derived.