Rambi Ayala, a Gombe-based politician, says Nigeria’s democracy has reached a significant milestone, given the achievements of successive civilian administrations over the last 27 years.

Mr Ayala said this on Thursday in an interview ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

Mr Ayala is a House of Representatives candidate for Balanga/Billiri federal constituency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

He said that Nigeria’s democracy has made notable gains despite critical areas requiring reforms and sustained commitment.

“Nigeria’s democracy is a work in progress,” he said, noting that the country’s democratic system has evolved significantly over the years through continuous constitutional reviews and amendments to the electoral laws aimed at improving the electoral process.

He said democracy in Nigeria has continued to positively impact citizens, stressing that strengthening democratic institutions requires the collective efforts of politicians, the judiciary, the media, and other stakeholders.

The politician dismissed concerns that the country might be drifting toward a one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the growing interest shown by the opposition parties in the electoral process demonstrated that political competition remains vibrant.

“Democracy in Nigeria is thriving, and we are continually working to strengthen it. The 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance represent significant progress considering its relatively recent democratic history,” he said.

Muhammad Umar, the head of the Department of Political Science at Federal University of Kashere, said that democratic consolidation remained one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges despite three decades of civilian rule and multiple successful electoral cycles.

He identified poverty, vote-buying, identity politics, weak internal party democracy, corruption, and insecurity as major obstacles to democratic development in the country.

Mr Umar lamented that politicians were using economic hardship to exploit vulnerable voters through inducements, while ethnic and religious divisions are being employed as tools for political mobilisation, thus undermining the growth of an issue-based political culture.

He also expressed concern about the lack of internal democracy within political parties, which threatened their unity and cohesion.

“Persistent leadership crises and internal conflicts have weakened the ability of many parties to effectively represent citizens and contribute to democratic development,” he said.

To strengthen democracy, Umar advocated for strong institutions, greater financial autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and a more transparent process for appointing electoral officials, judicial independence, increased youth participation, and greater accountability in political parties.

Abdullahi Inuwa, a legal practitioner, stressed the need for strong democratic institutions, credible elections, and an independent judiciary to sustain Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

Mr Inuwa said the Nigerian constitution anchored the nation’s foundation on the principles of democracy and social justice.

“The constitution’s preamble promotes good governance, welfare of the citizens, freedom, equality, justice, and national unity,” he said.

According to Inuwa, constitutional provisions place an obligation on government institutions to protect and promote the rights and welfare of all Nigerians.

He highlighted that Nigeria has made significant progress during its 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, enabling the citizens to elect representatives who advocate for their needs and facilitate equitable distribution of resources across the country.

Mr Inuwa cited the provision of roads, electricity, and other public amenities as benefits associated with democratic governance, adding that “many communities still require greater development”.

The legal practitioner, however, decried attempts by some politicians to manipulate the electoral process and secure political positions without the people’s genuine mandate.

While urging Nigerians to reject all forms of electoral malpractice, unauthorised practices, and illegal procedures that could undermine democracy, Inuwa tasked INEC with remaining impartial and resisting attempts to compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

According to Inuwa, the judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy and must be protected from external influence.

“Without an independent and uncompromised judiciary, no strong, viable, lasting and dependable democracy could be sustained in our country,” he said. 

(NAN)