Politics
Previewing Nigeria’s New Democracy Day
Since 1960, Nigeria has been on a faltering democratic journey. Some believe that the series of military intervention into the political landscape of the country, the first occurring barely six years after Independence, has dealt a big blow to democracy in the country, influencing democratic practices, maintenance of peace and tranquility and Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
The democratic journey was truncated many times (1966 – 1979, 1979 – 1983, 1983 – 1985, 1985 – 1993, 1993 – 1999) but the journey continued in 1999 with the election of General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) as civilian president of the country heralding the current Fourth Republic. Remarkably, the military handed over to the newly elected leader on May 29, 1999.
The presidential elections of June 12, 1993 which was widely adjudged to be the fairest and freest election in the country’s history was annulled by the then leader of the military junta, General Ibrahim Babangida and the acclaimed winner, late Chief Moshood Abiola, was never declared. Rather, he was arrested and imprisoned for declaring himself the winner and subsequently died in prison.
It is now 22 years into the Fourth Republic and the journey is still sauntering. To commemorate the democratic election of Abiola, the federal administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had, in 2018, declared June 12 Nigeria’s new Democracy Day as against the former date of May 29, which marks the day the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999, symbolising the beginning of the longest continuous civilian rule since Nigeria’s Independence from colonial rule in 1960, and ending the many decades of military rule in the country.
Buhari’s action was in recognition of the fact that Abiola actually won the 1993 presidential election and was therefore entitled to be seen as such, even if post-humously. The late Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland was also conferred with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) in addition to having the national stadium in Abuja named after him.
The brief history is important in letting us know how the journey started and how it has been. But most importantly, it should help us assess the success of the movement so far and chart a way forward. To do so, we may need to ask the basic question, ”What is Democracy?” Of course, there are millions of answers to the question but I like the definition by an American Sociologist, Larry Diamond. He described democracy as a system of government with four key elements: i) A system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; ii) Active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; iii) Protection of the human rights of all citizens; and iv) A rule of law in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
Can we comfortably say that these key elements can be found in the democratic practice in Nigeria? Can elections in the country be considered to be free and fair? How about the killings, shootings, ballot box snatching, rigging and other crimes associated with elections in the country? In a truly democratic nation, the citizens participate in the election process, convinced that their votes will count and that, through the ballot, the necessary changes will be made in the society. Is that the case with Nigeria?
Another feature of democracy, according to Diamond, is protection of human rights of all citizens. Chapter five of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria deals with the fundamental human rights of citizens vis a vis the right to life, right to dignity of human person, right to freedom of expression and the Press, right to peaceful assembly, right to freedom of movement and many more. Are Nigerian citizens enjoying these rights? Last year, some Nigerian youth organised a protest against police brutality and other ills in the land. The #EndSARS protest was peaceful until the government allegedly infiltrated the groups with political thugs, leading to violence, massive destruction, looting, killing and many more.
A similar scenario played out a few weeks ago in Kaduna State during the just-suspended Labour strike. The workers embarking on a legitimate protest over some scores they have to settle with the state government were seen being stoned by miscreants allegedly hired by the government all in a bid to shut the people up and put an end to the protest. The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Waba, was even declared wanted by the Kaduna State Government. What about the ongoing feud between the social media giant, Twitter and the federal government which resulted in the ban of the microblogging platform in the country irrespective of the effect of such action on the citizens?
The issue of the protection of lives and properties of the citizens is also a big one. Human lives don’t seem to matter anymore in the country. People are being killed every day by bandits, killer herdsmen, unknown gunmen in different parts of the country, yet all the tiers of government whose primary responsibility is to protect the lives of the citizens appear helpless. Politics and other selfish interests seem more important to them than the safety and welfare of the people.
The issue of rule of law is a no-go area because, in Nigeria, it appears there is a set of rules for some people and another set for the rest people. Some have argued that the principle of rule of law, equality before the law, and separation has taken the back stage in the country. And I think this argument has some merit especially in view of the recent happenings in the country – the invasion of homes of judges, those in authority choosing the court ruling to obey and follow, the age-long denial of financial autonomy to the Judiciary which is the crux of the matter in the on-going judiciary workers strike and many more.
The truth is that democracy in the country which is currently under a serious threat can only be saved and entrenched when we as a people and government in Nigeria deliberately strive to adhere to the tenets of the popular government. The United States of America and other exemplary democratic countries in the world did not get to where they are today if rule of law and other principles that make democratic government tick and gratifying were jettisoned.
Suffice it to say that as Diamond’s definition of democracy indicates, the citizens have a big role to play in a democracy. They are expected to participate actively in politics and civil life. As citizens, we cannot continue to sit on the fence and allow a handful of people to determine our fate. The media, civil societies groups, various arms of government, academic institutions, trade unions, the youth, students, faith-based and traditional institutions all have roles to play in making our fragile democracy strong. Most importantly, we have to carry out our obligations as citizens. As John Kay admonished, “The people who own the country ought to govern it”.
Also Fernando Cardoso posits, “Democracy is not just a question of having a vote. It consists of strengthening each citizen’s possibility and capacity to participate in the deliberations involved in life in society”.
Over the years, Democracy Day had been dominated by events marking the inauguration of the President and state governors during which they recount their yearly milestone achievements. Other than lectures, talk shows and street processions by pro-democracy groups which are often very few and far between, there is hardly anything in the form of celebrating attainments in democratic governance.
Being the first time the Day will be celebrated separate from the May 29 Inauguration Day, it is expected that more colour will be added to the occasion. But again, that is if the current security situation and the attendant movement restrictions in many parts of Nigeria permit.
By: Calista Ezeaku
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Mr Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.
“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was not surprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”
According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Mr Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.
“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.
The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Mr Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.
It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Mr Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”
It also blamed its internal crisis on Mr Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.
“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Dr Otti had not followed Mr Obi out of the party despite his suspension.
Reacting to Mr Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”
It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Mr Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”
The faction also accused Mr Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffers political marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a result.
“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.
The Abure-Led LP apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.
“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.
It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”
steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity”, he said.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Oluyede said the development came as a shock, stressing that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate.
According to him, INEC officials documented the process, completed all required forms, and even affirmed his candidacy in court through sworn affidavits arising from cases linked to the primary election.
He maintained that no court order or injunction currently restrains INEC from listing his name as the PDP candidate, arguing that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.
Dr Oluyede described such decisions as the exclusive responsibility of political parties, not the electoral umpire.
While playing down panic over the released list, Dr Oluyede noted that electoral processes often involve reviews and corrections.
He disclosed that he had commenced wide consultations, including engagements with PDP leadership and formal correspondence with INEC, to seek clarification on the omission and determine the next line of action.
The PDP candidate assured his supporters across Ekiti State that he would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved in his favour.
He described attempts to exclude candidates from elections as dangerous and undemocratic, warning that such tactics undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
Dr Oluyede called on the people of Ekiti to reject any form of disenfranchisement, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas, records, and acceptance by the electorate rather than exclusionary maneuvers.
He also declared that the PDP in Ekiti had resolved its past internal crises and was now united, focused, and ready to win the forthcoming governorship election.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, expressing optimism that, with divine grace and the will of the people, the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls.
Mr Obi spoke while formally declaring for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a well-attended event in Enugu on Wednesday, where he outlined what he described as a fresh roadmap for rescuing the country from its socio-economic challenges.
Addressing party members, supporters and other stakeholders, the former governor stressed that leadership must be driven by integrity and accountability, warning against the culture of double standards in public office.
“We cannot continue to deceive our people. Leadership is about telling the truth and leading by example. You cannot promise one thing in public and do another in private. That is not leadership, and that is not the change Nigeria needs”, Mr Obi said.
He maintained that genuine national rebirth would only be possible if entrenched wrongs were corrected, adding that governance must be guided by competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
Mr Obi also underscored the need for fresh thinking in the nation’s political space, urging political actors to move away from recycled ideas that have failed to deliver sustainable development.
“We must come with new ideas,” he said, adding that “Nigeria’s problems are not mysterious; what has been lacking is the courage and competence to address them differently. We need a new approach that puts people first and focuses on production, not consumption.”
Calling for a broad based political collaboration, Mr Obi appealed to parties and stakeholders across ideological divides to work together in the national interest.
“This country is bigger than any party or individual. All parties must come together to change the present trend. What matters is not the platform, but the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its citizens”, he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr Obi challenged aspirants seeking elective offices to ensure transparency in their credentials, warning that the era of falsified certificates was drawing to a close.
“Anyone contesting for any position in 2027 must come with genuine certificates. All the machinery is now in place to verify what is genuine and what is not. Integrity must start from the very foundation of leadership”, he stated.
Drawing lessons from international development models, Mr Obi cited Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of countries that rose from difficult beginnings to become thriving economies through disciplined leadership and sound policies.
“These countries were once behind us,” he noted, adding that “Today, they are moving ahead because they chose competent leadership, clear vision and policies that support local production and human capital development.”
He also criticised the economic policies of the present administration, particularly the continued importation of food items that can be produced locally, describing such practices as inimical to national development.
“You cannot grow an economy by killing local production. Importing food that we can produce in Nigeria destroys jobs, weakens our farmers and drains our foreign exchange. A serious country must produce what it consumes”, he argued.
The event featured renewed calls from ADC supporters for sustained engagement and mobilisation, as Mr Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria remains redeemable if led with honesty, competence and a commitment to shared national progress.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence in the emerging coalition, assuring Nigerians that the party would deliver good governance at all levels of administration if entrusted with power.
The gathering also witnessed the defection of several prominent politicians from different political parties across the South-East and beyond.
The motion endorsing the defection was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and seconded by former economic adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu.
Goodwill messages from notable political figures, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, Chief Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Achike Udenwa, Mr Onyema Ugochukwu and Senator Gilbert Nnaji among others, further underscored the growing momentum within the ADC.
-
Featured3 days agoFubara Redeploys Green As Commissioner For Justice
-
Sports1 day agoAFCON ’25: Osimhen Not Worried By Yekini Comparison, Pressure
-
Sports1 day agoOgoni Nation Cup : Coach Praise Players In spite 2-0 Loss
-
Sports1 day agoRemo Stars set for Ikenne return
-
Business1 day agoKALCCIMA PROMISES KALABARI ECONOMIC GROWTH, INAUGURATES NEW EXECUTIVES
-
Sports1 day agoSoname Calls For NPFL referees demotion
-
Sports1 day agoChelsea Set To Part Ways With Maresca?
-
Entertainment1 day agoBurna Boy’s ‘I Told Them’ Becomes Highest-grossing Tour
