Overhauling Nigeria’s Pitted Democracy

Today, September 15, is the International Day of Democracy, a global event to appraise the state of democracy and foster its principles worldwide. Democracy is not just a goal, but a participatory undertaking that hinges on the involvement of people, national governments, the global community, and civil society. Through everyone’s contribution, democracy can become a reality and be savoured by all.
The essential elements of democracy include freedom, respect for human rights, and regular genuine elections. Democracy strengthens and promotes human rights effectively, which is vital for countries. In 2007, the United Nations designated 15th September as the International Day of Democracy to uphold these principles.
The designated theme for this year’s International Day of Democracy is titled: ‘Empowering the Next Generation’. It is centred around the role young people play in the advancement of democracy and the inclusion of their voices in the decision-making process, which carries consequences for their world. Youths serve as both the present and future guardians of democracy.
Not much is said by the Nigerian government on the International Democracy Day. However, some media organisations discuss the day. This could be because, since 1999, the country initially declared May 29 as Democracy Day but later changed it to June 12. The decision to choose June 12 was in remembrance of the unjustly annulled presidential election held on that date in 1993 by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military junta.
The country must strengthen its democratic institutions to promote the rule of law. What specific institutions are we referring to? These include political parties, electoral management agencies, legislative bodies, judicial agencies, administrative agencies, media and civil society. While these institutions operate within the country, they have to demonstrate greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Unfortunately, our political parties are disappointing, as they lack internal democracy and cohesion, often violating electoral laws, particularly those concerning money politics and electoral violence. Nigeria’s political parties recruit leaders who are more interested in looting the treasury, prioritising themselves, and lacking integrity. Shamefully, after 23 years of the Fourth Republic, the country has little to offer in terms of democratic benefits to the struggling masses.
We must understand that political parties give birth to at least two out of the three arms of government. They are the executive and legislature. The products of these two vital organs of government have not justified the implicit trust and confidence that make Nigerians vote for them at elections. It has been more of a personal aggrandisement for them and nonchalance towards the plight of the poverty-stricken populace.
The Nigerian state is fragile because of agitations for self-determination, including the call for secession by the Indigenous People of Biafra. Additionally, the emergence of groups like the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta and Niger Delta Avengers has further heightened tensions. In the North, the ongoing activities of insurgents, killer-herders, and bandits have prevented lasting peace across the country.
Even schools are not immune to the threat of kidnappers. These malicious criminals are constantly lurking, ready to inflict torment and abduct innocent children and youths. The mass kidnapping of schoolgirls has particularly highlighted this horrifying reality, bringing shame upon the country and propelling its mushrooming terrorist groups to the top ranks among the world’s deadliest terror outfits.
Nigeria’s economy is in ruins, despite three periods of bumper oil revenues. The country’s infrastructure is miserable, and it is ranked as the 11th most wretched place on earth to live in. Nigeria also has the highest out-of-school population in the world and scores low on every human development index. Its democracy is nightmarish, and it is considered the world’s 12th most fragile state, perched precariously at the edge of state failure.
Our nation has reached a precarious juncture. Democracy has failed to mend the fractures within the fragile federation; instead, these differences have deepened into insurmountable divides. There is an alarming level of animosity prevailing across ethnic, regional, and religious lines. Interestingly, the only unity observed is among politicians who engage in cooperative concentration of power and control over resources.
Heeding the call for economic and political restructuring will stabilise the nation. Adhering to the principles of the rule of law, including supremacy, equality, and protection of human rights, is required for fostering peace and stability in a democratic country. Prioritising these regulations is necessary for Nigeria. Justice is essential for peace, and development relies on peace.
Active citizens are critical in driving democracy, as it cannot be achieved solely through a constitution. Protests, sit-ins, rallies, and recalls are relevant in established democracies. When institutions fail or politicians violate rights and norms, citizens have the right to take action. Nigerians must commit to organising and reclaiming their rights and sovereignty lawfully. Failing to do so may lead to increased suffering and potential state failure in the future.