As Nigerians mark this year’s Democracy Day, citizens are concerned over the state of affairs in the country.
The day is set aside as a reminder of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
However, 32 years after, it is cries of despair across the country, with the electoral system still yearning for reforms.
Both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Afenifere, among others, are unanimous that democracy is on the decline in Nigeria.
The PDP was particular that the current administration had rubbished the gains of democracy by allegedly stifling free speech.
He said: “Are we practising democracy now? Is this democracy, cronyism, or individualism?” The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba asked in a chat with Vanguard.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the principles of democracy had continued to decline.
“The ACF welcomes the anniversary but regrets that Nigeria does not seem to be on a trajectory towards the entrenchment of democratic ideals as June 12 should have dictated.
“Systematically, those principles of democracy, such as free and fair elections, robust representation, checks and balances among the various branches of government, legislative independence and oversight, robust, independent judiciary and accountability have all been observed more in the breach than in compliance.
‘’This decline has been on the ground since 1999 but has worsened over the last four, and particularly over the last two years.
“A poignant illustration of the regressive decline in the ideals of democracy is the fact that more and more elected officials are the same people subverting democracy by their actions, inactions and insensitivity to the yearning of the populace.
“It is, therefore, highly regretful to surmise that at the demonstrable pace that the country is going, true democracy will take decades to take root, if at all.
On its part, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said the country’s democracy remains work in progress.
Meanwhile, the Afenifere, in a statement by its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said: “It is a milestone because it represents the day democracy and civil rule were reclaimed and restored in Nigeria, after a prolonged, destabilising military rule.
“Without a doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the fourth republic in Nigeria.
“We’re happy to note that the progressive forces remain alert, committed and active. And we’re confident that the progressive spirit will continue to sustain and nurture democratic ideals in Nigeria.
“While we celebrate sustained democratic rule in our country on this auspicious occasion, we’re also reminded that democratic practice remains work in progress.
“We, therefore, call on all our compatriots, particularly the civil society groups, to collaborate with other progressive forces to deepen democratic practice and processes in Nigeria, for the benefit of this generation and generations yet unborn.
“Thus, June 12 is a reminder that although we come from different backgrounds with diverse perspectives, our shared goal of a prosperous Nigeria where equity, justice, social and economic well-being are at play is the driving force behind our determination to see this country progress.’’
Speaking to NATIONAL POST, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the country was taking one step forward and 10 steps backward.
Okwu said both successive governments and the present one had not done much to advance the country.
“We have not taken realistic steps towards advancing our democracy. Our institutions remain too weak.
“What we have in Nigeria are strong individuals who call the shots, to the extent of making laws that favour their interests.
“Take a look at what they are doing with the cybercrime law; people are being harassed and bullied here and there just for expressing divergent views.
“It is now 32 years after June 12, 1993 but our electoral system is still nothing to write home about.
“A situation where the courts are allowed to decide winners of several elective positions in the country is not cheering.
“So, in all, we have not made steady progress. We are taking one step forwards and 10 steps backwards.”
Okwu called on the current administration to bequeath a legacy of a truly reformed electoral system and freedom of speech is guaranteed in the constitution.
“The cybercrime law being used to oppress Nigerians should be repealed.
Ahead of the 2027 election, electronic transmission of election results should also be made compulsory, not optional as we currently have it in the Electoral Act,” Okwu stated.