The Independent National Electoral Commission, stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process and leaders of civil society organisations have explained why Nigerians are yet to fully experience the dividends of democracy.
This was the focus of discussion at the National Conference, titled ‘The Future of Democracy in Nigeria: Sustaining Democratic Reforms Beyond the Polls for Effective Governance’, held recently in Abuja.
In his keynote address, the Benue Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Prof. Sam Egwu, noted that democracy in Nigeria faces the paradox of showing signs of consolidation while failing to meet citizens’ needs.
According to him, the gap between governance and people’s expectations must be bridged through institutional reforms, civic participation, and accountability mechanisms.
He emphasised that democracy and good governance are inseparable, adding that the World Bank’s evolution from scepticism to support for democracy reflects this global truth.
Prof. Egwu explained that Nigeria must enlarge the frontier of effective governance by rethinking liberal democracy and adapting it to local realities. He also pointed out that democracy is about the relationship between citizens and leaders, one sustained by elections that reward integrity and punish mediocrity.
According to him, successive administrations have governed in breach of the constitution while pursuing liberal economic policies dictated by global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), often to the detriment of Nigerians.
He said, “I argue that we need to continue to pursue a real democratisation agenda and go back to obeying the constitution. If you read the 1999 constitution, which is lifted from the 1979 constitution, chapter two commits to the doctrine of democracy. Because it talks about the responsibility of government in terms of the welfare of citizens.
“It talks about the responsibilities to citizens in terms of health and education. All the presidents that have come since 1999 have never obeyed the constitution.
“The 1999 Constitution commits Nigeria to a social democracy. What they have been doing is in breach of the constitution. They have advanced liberal economic policies that contradict its core provisions on social welfare, health, and education.
The INEC official noted that the excessive centralisation of power in the executive undermines Nigeria’s federal system, adding that this has left local governments powerless and disconnected from citizens.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of PAACA, said the conference was both “timely and significant”, as it provided a platform for reflection and dialogue on how to make Nigeria’s democratic reforms enduring and citizen-centred.
“As a nation, Nigeria has made important strides in strengthening electoral integrity and broadening citizen participation, yet the journey towards a democracy that truly delivers for all its citizens is far from complete,” Nwagwu said.
Also, Dr Husseini Abdu, Country Director of CARE International, criticised the perception that periodic elections alone define democracy, noting the failure to connect democracy with accountability and citizens’ participation.
“The perception is that once you have periodic elections, then you have democracy. Unfortunately, that is not true.
“The failure to actually connect democracy with public accountability and citizens’ participation is what led us to where we are today, where even the election itself is continually undermined by the shenanigans and subterfuge of our politicians.
On his part, former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim said many Nigerians are losing faith in democracy because it has failed to improve their lives.
According to him, during recent protests in the country, some young people carried the flags of Russia and China because they believe democracy has failed them.
Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria’s political parties have become mere vehicles for personal ambition rather than platforms for ideas or social reform.
He called for a truly independent electoral body and political system that guarantees credible elections and accountable governance.
