As we reflect on the quarter-century milestone of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, the air is thick with both nostalgia and disillusionment. The idealistic fervor that once fueled our fight against military dictatorships has long since faded, replaced by a grim reality that calls into question the very foundations of our democratic experiment. In 1999, when we embarked on this democratic journey, we were buoyed by the promise of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The transition from military rule was a hard-won victory, achieved through the relentless efforts of pro-democratic forces that confronted and eventually overcame the authoritarian grip of the military. We believed that democracy would bring with it a new dawn of civil liberties, media freedoms, and economic prosperity. However, twenty-five years later, these promises remain largely unfulfilled.
The Nigeria of today stands in stark contrast to the democratic dream we once envisioned. We find ourselves grappling with unprecedented levels of hardship and hunger, exacerbated by government policies that seem to prioritize the few at the expense of the many. Insecurity is rampant, with bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements holding entire regions hostage. Our security forces, once the bastion of national pride, have become targets themselves, highlighting the depth of our collective vulnerability. The electoral process, once a symbol of hope, has been tainted by allegations of corruption and incompetence. The trust in the Electoral Umpire and the Judiciary has eroded to the point where many Nigerians no longer believe in the sanctity of their votes. The once-revered checks and balances that were supposed to safeguard our democracy have become instruments of impunity and excess.
The economic situation is equally dire. Nigeria, once a potential powerhouse, now holds the ignominious title of the world’s poverty capital. Inflation has soared to a 28-year high, making basic necessities unaffordable for the average citizen. Joblessness is rampant, and the promise of a better life through education remains a cruel joke for many graduates. The country’s infrastructure is crumbling, with power supply and fuel availability remaining perennial issues despite our vast natural resources. Corruption, the perennial bane of our society, has not only persisted but flourished under the guise of democracy. Politicians and their cronies live in opulence, funded by public resources, while the majority of Nigerians struggle to survive. This gross disparity between the rulers and the ruled has fostered a sense of hopelessness and betrayal among the populace. The disillusionment is palpable. Voter turnout has plummeted to historic lows, reflecting a deep-seated apathy and loss of faith in the democratic process. The recent presidential election saw a mere 27% voter turnout, a stark contrast to the enthusiastic participation of the early 2000s. This apathy is not without reason; many Nigerians feel that their votes do not count, that the outcomes are predetermined by the powerful elite.
Yet, amid this bleakness and darkness, there may yet exist a light at the end of the tunnel. The very fact that we can still reflect on these issues openly epitomize the resilience of our democratic spirit. The journey to a truly functional democracy is long and fraught with challenges, but it is not insurmountable. To reclaim our democracy, we must first acknowledge its flaws and commit to rectifying them. A fundamental overhaul of our governance structures is imperative. The 1999 Constitution, a relic of military rule, must be replaced with a truly federal and inclusive document that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians. Fiscal federalism, state policing, and an open market economy are essential reforms that can reinvigorate our democracy.
Moreover, accountability must become the norm. Corruption must be tackled head-on, and the impunity that has become endemic in our political system must be eradicated. Elections must be transparent and reflect the true will of the people, not the machinations of a select few. Ultimately, the fate of our democracy lies in the hands of the people. We must rise above ethnic and religious divisions and demand a government that truly serves our interests. The dream of June 12 should not be allowed to fade into oblivion; it should be the rallying cry that spurs us to action.
As we mark another Democracy Day, let us remember that the fight for democracy is ongoing. It is a continuous struggle that requires vigilance, courage, and a dogged commitment to justice and equity. Only then can we hope to achieve the democracy we once dreamed of and still desperately need.
