As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day and reflect on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, it is only proper that we ask ourselves a difficult but necessary question: How did we get here?
Twenty-seven years ago, the restoration of democratic rule was celebrated with hope , excitement, and great expectations. Nigerians believed that democracy would usher in an era of accountability, prosperity, justice, and national development. The sacrifices made by heroes of democracy, especially those who fought for the validation of the June 12, 1993 election, inspired a collective dream of a better nation.
Today, however , as we celebrate Democracy Day, many Nigerians are confrontedwith myriads of challenges that include economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, declining public trust in institutions, and a growing sense of uncertainty about the future.
The temptation is to place all the blame on political leaders. Certainly, those entrusted with public office must answer for many of the failures that have hindered our national progress. Yet, if we are to be honest with ourselves, the story of Nigeria’ s democratic journey is not solely one of failed leadership. It is also a story of a society that has, at various times, compromised the very values necessary for democracy to thrive.
In that sense, we are collectively guilty as Nigerians.
Democracy is more than elections. It is a culture of accountability, responsibility, participation , and respect for the rule of law. While we have successfully sustained democratic governance for nearly three decades, we must ask whether we have truly embraced democratic values.
How often have we voted based on competence rather than ethnicity, religion, or personal gain? How often have we demanded accountability from elected officials beyond election seasons? How often have we rejected corruption when it benefited us personally? How often have we placed national interest above sectional interests?
The truth is uncomfortable. We celebrate Democracy Day today not only as a reminder of our achievements but also as an opportunity for self-examination.
Twenty-seven years after the return to democratic rule, Nigeria’s challenges cannot be attributed solely to those in government. Citizens, institutions, political actors, religious bodies, traditional authorities , and the civil society all share a measure of responsibility for the state of the nation.
Yet there is hope.
If our collective actions contributed to Nigeria’s present condition, then our collective resolve can also shape a better future. Democracy remains our best opportunity for national renewal, but it requires more than annual celebrations. It demands active citizenship, responsible leadership, accountability, integrity, and a shared commitment to the common good.
As we honour the heroes of June 12 and celebrate another Democracy Day , let us move beyond commemoration to reflection. Let us ask not only what democracy has done for us, but what we have done with democracy.
While we may be collectively guilty for some of the failures of the past twenty-seven years, we can also become collectively responsible for the success of the next twenty-seven.
