Africa
STAKEHOLDERS in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno on Thursday advocated for far-reaching institutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
They made the call in a separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on assessing Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999.
Dr Lawan Cheri, Deputy Rector (Administration), Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe, said democratic institutions must be strengthened to function independently and effectively.
According to him, institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and anti-corruption bodies should be stronger than individuals occupying public offices.
“In a democratic setting, institutions are expected to be stronger than individuals. If our institutions are strong, our democracy will be better than what we have today,” he said.
Cheri identified corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and lack of internal democracy within political parties as major challenges confronting the country’s democratic development.
He advocated for deliberate policies to reduce poverty and unemployment, improve civic education and bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
The don also called for intensified voter enlightenment and citizenship education programmes to improve public participation in governance.
Mr Ahmed Khalil, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Damaturu Branch, recommended comprehensive electoral reforms, and greater protection of human rights to consolidate democracy.
Khalil stated that respect for the rule of law and meaningful access to justice are critical to democratic growth.
He expressed concern over electoral irregularities, abuse of power, disregard for court orders and declining public confidence in some democratic institutions.
“There is a need for comprehensive electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, effective anti-corruption measures and protection of human rights,” he said.
Khalil added that democracy should not be measured solely by the conduct of elections but by its ability to guarantee justice, accountability and improved welfare for citizens.
Mr Musa Shalangwa, an Adamawa-based political analyst, said Nigeria had recorded significant democratic progress by sustaining uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999.
According to him, regular elections and peaceful transfer of power remain notable achievements in the country’s democratic development.
“Before 1999, military interventions disrupted democratic governance. Sustaining civilian administration for more than two decades is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
Shalangwa, a lecturer with Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, however, said that political interference, electoral malpractice, political violence and voter apathy continued to threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
He stressed the need for political parties to operate independently without interference from influential political actors, government officials or electoral authorities.
“Some individuals in positions of authority and those with financial influence often determine who contests and emerges for elective offices, contrary to democratic principles.
“This denies citizens the opportunity to freely elect candidates of their choice for effective representation,” he said.
He also recommended affordable nomination forms to encourage wider participation and ensure competent candidates emerge through transparent processes.
“Political parties should be more viable and democratic so that credible individuals can contest and emerge for public office in line with constitutional provisions.
“Excessive nomination fees should be discouraged to allow capable Nigerians to participate and offer quality representation,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Ahmed Isah, a legal practitioner at the Adamawa High Court, said Nigeria’s democracy required constitutional and electoral reforms to address emerging challenges.
“The judiciary plays a critical role in resolving electoral disputes and safeguarding constitutional democracy.
“As political activities intensify, disputes among parties and candidates will continue to arise.
“Hence strengthening the rule of law and ensuring justice without interference will further deepen democratic governance,” Isah said.
Mr Wafarinyi Theman, a politician and former member of the Adamawa House of Assembly, said democracy had created opportunities for citizens to participate in governance and hold leaders accountable.
The man, however, expressed concern over the influence of money in politics, describing it as a major obstacle to credible elections and quality leadership.
He called for stricter enforcement of campaign finance regulations and greater transparency in political party administration.
A political scientist at the University of Maiduguri, Borno, Prof. Ibrahim Usman, described Nigeria’s democratic journey as “a work in progress” that survived numerous political and security challenges.
“Democracy is not merely about elections; it is about the gradual strengthening of institutions.
“ When you consider where Nigeria was before 1999 and where it is today, there has been measurable progress.
“We have witnessed several transitions between elected governments, increased political participation, greater media freedom and improved public awareness of democratic rights,” he said.
However, Usman noted that democratic consolidation remained incomplete due to weaknesses in governance institutions, electoral disputes and growing public dissatisfaction with economic conditions.
He stressed that democracy must produce tangible improvements in the lives of citizens to retain legitimacy.
“People evaluate democracy not only by the freedom to vote but also by access to jobs, security, education and healthcare.
“These remain major challenges,” he added.
A senior legal practitioner, Barrister Mohammed Kolo, said Nigeria’s democracy recorded progress in constitutional governance but required stronger adherence to legal principles.
“The judiciary remains one of the pillars of democracy. We have seen courts play critical roles in resolving electoral disputes and protecting constitutional rights.
“However, there is a need for greater judicial independence, faster dispensation of cases and consistent enforcement of court judgments,” he said.
Kolo also called for constitutional reforms to address ambiguities that often generate political controversies.
According to him, democratic institutions become stronger when laws are clear, predictable and fairly applied.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Alhaji Musa Goni, claimed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration demonstrated commitment to democratic governance.
According to him, difficult policy decisions such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms were aimed at stabilising the economy and creating long-term growth.
“Democracy requires leaders who can take difficult decisions in the national interest.
“The Tinubu administration inherited significant economic challenges and has initiated reforms aimed at addressing structural problems.
“The benefits may take time to fully materialise, but the objective is to build a more sustainable economy,” he said.
However, an opposition politician, Alhaji Babagana Modu, argued that democratic consolidation should be measured by the welfare of citizens.
“Many Nigerians are facing economic hardship. Inflation, rising costs of living and unemployment remain major concerns.
“Government must ensure that reforms are accompanied by social protection measures that cushion the impact on vulnerable populations,” he said. (NAN)
F.O
Tags: democracy stakeholders