At a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, prominent Nigerians expressed concerns about the declining state of democracy in the country. The event, held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by political figures including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku. Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, in his Keynote address titled “Is Democracy failing in Nigeria?” lamented that democracy in Nigeria seemed to benefit only a select few, leading to increased public distrust in the system. He also highlighted the growing pressure on the Judiciary to deliver justice amid political interference.
Obasanjo, in his remarks, criticised what he described as a flawed adaptation of democracy in Africa, arguing that the system had failed to reflect the continent’s cultural and societal structures. He maintained that democracy in its current form was not delivering justice or equitable governance. Obi, on the other hand, disagreed with Kukah’s assertion that democracy was a work in progress, contending that gains made by past leaders had been systematically eroded. He cited his own experience of winning a governorship dispute in court without financial inducement, arguing that such a scenario would be nearly impossible in today’s Nigeria.
Electoral disputes and political interference fuel public distrust.
Furthermore, Atiku reflected on the sacrifices made for democracy, recalling his exile under the military regime of Sani Abacha. Meanwhile, former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, condemned what he viewed as unconstitutional actions by the National Assembly, particularly the recent State of Emergency declared in Rivers State. He called for greater adherence to democratic principles. Chief Anyaoku reiterated the need for a constitutional review, advocating for true Federalism as a means to address Nigeria’s governance challenges. In contrast, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, insisted that democracy in Nigeria was progressing despite existing difficulties, citing periodic elections as evidence of democratic consolidation.
Apart from the concerns raised at the event, the state of Nigeria’s democracy has been a subject of intense debate, especially regarding electoral disputes, political interference in governance, and widespread dissatisfaction with the economy. The recent court battles over election results and allegations of judicial compromise have further fuelled scepticism about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Many citizens remain disillusioned, feeling that the political system serves the interests of the elite rather than the broader population.
Entrenched political patronage is weakening Nigeria’s democracy.
A major challenge to democratic growth is the entrenchment of political patronage, where loyalty to individuals and parties often supersedes competence and public interest. This has contributed to weak governance, lack of accountability, and the Recycling of political figures across different administrations, limiting opportunities for fresh leadership and innovative policymaking. The continued reliance on the judiciary to resolve electoral disputes instead of allowing credible democratic processes to determine leadership further weakens public confidence in the system, fostering a sense of disillusionment among citizens.
Strengthening Nigeria’s democracy requires more than just periodic elections; it demands a fundamental shift in governance. Institutional reforms must prioritise transparency, accountability, and judicial independence. Political actors must move away from self-serving leadership and focus on policies that benefit the majority. Civil Society organisations and the media also have a crucial role to play in holding leaders accountable and advocating for democratic integrity. Without these measures, democratic backsliding will continue to undermine national progress.
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Ultimately, Nigeria stands at a crossroads where it must decide between genuine democratic consolidation and a system that merely preserves the interests of the ruling class. The conversations at Ihedioha’s colloquium reflect a growing demand for change, but without concrete action, these discussions risk becoming just another reminder of the country’s democratic struggles. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on whether political leaders are willing to embrace meaningful reforms or continue down a path of stagnation.