Today’s commemoration of Democracy Day, without doubt, signposts a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for stable polity; considering the trajectory of political events since independence in 1960; and particularly since the June 12, 1993 presidential election adjudged to be the freest and fairest ever in the history of elections in Nigeria. It would appear, however, that much of the gains of democracy in the past 26 years have been eroded or undermined by the failure of political leaders to observe the ideals of democracy and good governance, thus leaving the country in a flux, and the people devoid of hope.
Before the restoration of civil rule in 1999, Nigeria had been under military rule for 29 years marked by unpleasant experiences that snowballed into the abrupt end of the democratic experiments of the First and Second Republics. The events leading to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential poll and its aftermath marked a turning point in Nigeria’s political history.
Fortunately, the significance of June 12 has inspired the momentum of 26 years of unbroken democratic journey that has so far featured seven periodic elections since 1999. It is also important to recall that the struggle for the re-validation of the June 12 presidential election led to the final push against military rule.
It is therefore for the compelling imperative of deepening democracy that the lessons of the June 12, 1993, presidential election would be reflected upon on National Democracy Day to reawaken consciousness regarding the sanctity of the ballot box in affirmation of citizens’ right to freely elect their leaders through transparent and credible electoral process and to meaningfully engage governance process.
The long-winded political transition programme that led to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election should serve as a reminder that the struggle for democracy was very tough, and victory was not won on a platter of gold. Thirty-two years later, the lessons of the June 12 era should serve to caution against democratic reverses. It should be pertinent to recall that agitation for the recognition of June 12 as the authentic democracy day was not without contentions and opposition. More important, however, is that consensus on June 12 as national democracy day reaffirmed the unity of purpose demonstrated in the credibility that characterised the 1993 presidential poll in defiance of the divisive machinations rooted in the infamous transition programme of the Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime.
As Nigeria celebrates the triumph of democracy over autocratic rule, the essence of making constitutionalism and the rule of law the hallmarks of governance should be considered an utmost priority. Reflections on the lessons of June 12 should serve to caution that the ultimate survival of democracy, in the long run, depends on a strong foundation of institutional independence, rule of law and dispensation of justice based on integrity and transparency.
Therefore, despite whatever misgivings regarding the practice of democracy since the restoration of civil governance in 1999, significant progress has been made in the democratic journey. If for nothing, the close to three decades of unbroken experimentation with the democratic experiment; admittedly with shortcomings, offers a ray of hope with reassurance that consolidation of democracy is a work in progress that demands dedication from all citizens.
The Bola Tinubu administration, therefore, must appreciate the need to restore citizens’ trust in the electoral process. There should be no begging the fact that citizens’ faith in the electoral process has been unduly undermined on account of flawed elections occasioned by voter suppression and manipulation of results. It is alarming that successive elections are increasingly being characterised by low voter turnout which signifies disaffection with the system. Democracy demands that the electorate as the repository of power must exercise their rights to vote without inhibition while their votes count in line with the requirement of a free, fair and transparent process.
However, the need for political actors to approach their roles in the democratic process with decorum and strict compliance with the rule of engagement cannot be over-emphasised. Political actors must exercise restraints and be faithful to the tenet of democratic practices; particularly as it relates to the confines and limits of power and responsibilities as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The spate of unhealthy politicking at the expense of legitimate legislative business which constitutes a clog in the wheel of governance in some states such as Rivers, Benue and Zamfara is worrisome. Elected lawmakers at the national and sub-national levels should constantly bear in mind that the primary reasons for entrusting them with the mandate of representation are to make laws and carry out necessary oversights for the overarching purpose of democratic governance. It amounts to a breach of public trust for elected legislators to prioritise attention on intra or inter-party feuds at the expense of their primary responsibilities.
It is indeed regrettable that democracy appears to be currently under threat in Nigeria as evidenced by clear abuse of executive powers as well as undermining of due process by the legislature. The ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State, which is seen in some quarters as a violation of the Constitution, is most unfortunate: a disservice to the health of democracy. It is our conviction that the current situation in Rivers State would have been avoided if political actors had been more responsible and unselfish.
At no time in the political history of Nigeria has the fear of a one-party state become an issue of concern as presently the case. The political elite should be held to account for the lack of principle and inordinate ambition leading to apprehension over the possibility of a one-party state. Nevertheless, the diversity of ideas that makes multi-party democracy most appropriate for a plural society like Nigeria should not be compromised on the altar of opportunistic political alignment. Therefore, opposition political parties should be committed to deepening multiple-party democracy through effective organisation and mobilisation that will enhance alternative political platforms.
While it is understood that the judiciary faces enormous backlashes from politically motivated innuendos and distractions, it has, however, become expedient for the judiciary’s leadership to take necessary steps to restore public confidence in the court as the last hope of the common man. While it is pertinent for the three arms of government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the tasks of democratic consolidation as an immediate and long-term obligation; the prevailing drift should not be allowed to persist.
Most importantly, the Tinubu government in the cradle of power has a sacred duty, more than any previous administration, to make Nigeria work, through the institutionalisation of a true federalism structure. Despite a few attempts in the recent past to devolve more power to the regions, too much power still resides at the centre, thus making it difficult for dividends of democracy and good governance such as security and welfare of the people to reach the majority of citizens. Yet, the whole essence of democracy is meaningless until Nigerians can live and sleep in peace; work and travel in peace; attend school and have access to employment in peace; and be rid of poverty as well as other inhuman conditions. These are the basic challenges before President Tinubu.
