Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, expressed his view that despite the end of military administration in 1999, democracy in the country is still in bondage.
He emphasized that what Nigeria is currently experiencing is a return to civil rule rather than true democracy.
In a Facebook post on Monday, marking the 30th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Bashorun Moshood Abiola but annulled by the military junta of General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), Atiku made these statements.
“While congratulating Nigerians on this day, celebrating the return to civil rule, I want to draw our attention to the reality that democracy in Nigeria remains in bondage, and it will require the collective efforts of all of us to rescue it,” Atiku wrote.
He urged the nation to reflect on its journey toward becoming a democratic society, highlighting the successes achieved in making democracy the norm in Nigerian politics. However, he pointed out that democracy without a commitment to fairness and fidelity to the rules in conducting elections leaves room for dictatorial tendencies.
Atiku criticized those who use their privileged positions in political leadership to manipulate electoral outcomes. He stated, “For our democracy to be fully fledged, it must constantly evolve away from the current practice where the governing elite determines the outcome of elections.”
Reflecting on the activism that led to the current democratic dispensation, Atiku emphasized that there is still much work to be done. He described democracy and the process of democratization as a constant work in progress. While acknowledging the return to civil rule, he emphasized the need to make Nigerian democracy self-sustaining and independent from anti-democratic forces.
To achieve this goal, Atiku stressed the importance of collective energy and commitment.
He warned that the future of Nigerian democracy relies heavily on the actions taken today. He called for an eternal commitment to the cause of democracy, as the enemies of democracy are constantly active, and defeating them requires increased efforts.
In conclusion, Atiku urged Nigerians to do more in advancing the cause of democracy and the democratization process, highlighting that the challenge ahead is significant but can be overcome with determination and dedication.
