“While elections are still held in Nigeria, the essential democratic values of transparency, accountability, and freedom are being systematically undermined. This erosion threatens to render meaningless the sacrifices made by those who championed our democratic transition”.
BY BELLO GWARZO ABDULLAHI
We are navigating an era marked by profound political, social, and economic upheaval. In Nigeria, recent events have lent credence to the late General Salihu Ibrahim’s lamentation that “Nigeria is a country where anything goes.” Unfortunately, this statement has become emblematic of the prevailing conduct among many political leaders today.
Democracy in Nigeria—painfully won through decades of struggle and immense sacrifice—is now under severe threat. Those entrusted with leadership are steadily eroding the very values and principles that form the foundation of democratic governance. As a result, the country remains ensnared in persistent challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and institutional decay—conditions worsened by leaders who have strayed far from the ideals they once professed.
It is deeply disheartening that, despite our long and arduous journey toward democratic rule, the current political establishment appears more concerned with consolidating power through repression, electoral manipulation, and the stifling of dissent. This betrayal is especially painful when it emanates from former advocates of democracy who now employ authoritarian tactics. Such regression reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what democracy truly entails. Democracy is not merely about conducting elections—it is about upholding individual rights, ensuring media freedom, guaranteeing judicial independence, and fostering inclusive civic participation.
While elections are still held in Nigeria, the essential democratic values of transparency, accountability, and freedom are being systematically undermined. This erosion threatens to render meaningless the sacrifices made by those who championed our democratic transition. Yet, amid these dark times, there remains a flicker of hope. The resilience of the Nigerian people is an enduring force. Historically, Nigerians have risen against injustice—and we must rise again.
This is a clarion call to awaken public consciousness, deepen civic engagement, and rally national unity in defense of our democratic ideals. These goals are achievable—but only through sincere youth empowerment, a comprehensive response to systemic dysfunction, sustained global solidarity for democratic progress, and meaningful civic involvement. However, without deliberate and effective implementation, these ideals will remain nothing more than lofty rhetoric. Nigeria does not lack good policies; we suffer from chronic failure in execution.
Let us, therefore, stand together in solidarity and fortitude. The future of our democracy depends on our collective will and action. The spirit of democracy is not dead—it lives on in our communities, in the memory of our shared struggles, and in the hearts of millions who still yearn for a just, inclusive, and equitable Nigeria.
Let us honour the sacrifices of those who came before us by renewing the fight for a truly democratic nation. The time to awaken is now. The time to unite is now. The time to act is now.
For, in the words of the venerable Sheikh Usman Danfodiyo, “Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it.”
…Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, an engineer and pollical analyst based in Gombe can be reached via bgabdullahi@gmail.com
