16: A CRITICAL READING OF WOLE SOYINKA'S THE TRIALS OF BROTHER JERO ON ACADEMIC REVOLUTION AND DEMOCRATIC CONSCIOUSNESS IN NIGERIA'S PREPARATION FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The growing concern over electoral integrity, leadership accountability, civic participation, and democratic consolidation in Nigeria has intensified scholarly discussions on the role of education in promoting good governance, particularly as the nation prepares for the 2027 General Elections. This article examines the significance of academic revolution as a catalyst for democratic consciousness and sustainable governance through a critical reading of Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero (1964). The study adopts Paulo Freire's Critical Consciousness Theory and employs a qualitative methodology based on textual analysis, content analysis, and interpretative literary criticism. Data are derived from the primary text and supported with scholarly works on governance, democracy, education, and Nigerian politics. Findings reveal that Soyinka's portrayal of manipulation, false promises, abuse of authority, and public gullibility reflects enduring challenges within Nigeria's democratic process. The article argues that academic revolution, through civic education, critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical leadership training, remains indispensable for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring informed participation in the 2027 General Elections. The study concludes that educational transformation offers a viable pathway toward electoral accountability, democratic consolidation, and good governance in Nigeria.