ABEOKUTA – As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12, two political leaders in Ogun have acknowledged the significant progress the country’s democracy has made since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
However, they noted that persistent challenges, including weak institutions and poor service delivery continue to hinder the full realisation of democratic ideals.
They spoke in separate interviews with newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Mr Rotimi Oke, Chairman of the Accord Party in Ogun, told newsmen that democratic governance had advanced, but citizens were yet to enjoy its expected benefits.
Oke explained that political democracy had progressed faster than economic and governance reforms, leaving many Nigerians without tangible democratic dividends.
”Democratic consolidation requires strong institutions capable of ensuring justice, accountability, development, security and equal opportunities for all citizens,” he said.
According to him, regular elections without military interference is a major achievement since Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999.
Oke also identified political competition, judicial independence, media engagement and civil society participation as important gains of the democratic process.
He, however expressed concern over economic hardship, rising living costs, unemployment, poverty, corruption, and weak accountability mechanisms.
The Accord party leader also listed electoral manipulation, insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism among challenges undermining democratic development.
“Democracy is strengthened through electoral reforms, greater independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and strict enforcement of electoral laws to strengthen public confidence.
“Also, stronger internal party democracy, credible candidate selection processes and reduced influence of political godfathers in politics.
“Then, government institutions to strengthen accountability and ensure elected officials fulfil campaign promises made to citizens,” he said.
Oke expressed optimism that sustained reforms and stronger institutions would deepen democratic governance and improve citizens’ welfare.
For Mr Abayomi Sanyaolu, the Chairman of the Ogun Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Nigeria’s democracy has demonstrated resilience through more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule.
Sanyaolu contended that democracy had continued to evolve since 1999, reflecting the country’s commitment to democratic principles and governance.
However, he maintained that democratic consolidation is a work in progress, adding that Nigeria had not yet reached its desired destination.
”Attention should shift beyond elections toward building transparent, accountable and responsive institutions.
”Democracy should deliver tangible benefits capable of improving citizens’ welfare and living standards.
The IPAC chairman said that the strength of democracy should be measured by governance quality and its ability to address citizens’ concerns.
According to him, the challenge ahead is to deepen democratic practices and strengthen public confidence in institutions.
He said that the focus should be on making democracy work better for all Nigerians. (NAN)
