From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
As Nigerians mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, the candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, Chief Paul Chukwuma, has called for the strengthening of the democratic credentials of state and local government institutions in Nigeria.
Chukwuma, in a statement issued on Thursday to mark the celebration, relived Nigeria’s democratic journey since May 29, 1999, after 16 years of military dictatorship, and stated that though many feared that the democratic journey would be short-lived, the country has, 26 years later, sustained democratic governance through successive transitions.
While congratulating Nigerians on the journey so far, he acknowledged that many citizens feel disillusioned and betrayed by the outcomes of democracy in Nigeria, with some people questioning its credibility and impact, but he noted that having lived through both military and civilian eras, democracy, despite its imperfections, has delivered more progress than dictatorship ever did.
Chukwuma noted that under democratic rule, Nigeria’s economy has grown far beyond its pre-1999 levels.
“Infrastructure development has spread beyond the federal capital to every part of the country. Fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, the right to vote and be voted for, and freedom of association have also seen significant improvement.”
He, however, noted that it is not yet uhuru since democracy is not a finished product that comes neatly packaged.
“It is a historical journey shaped through struggle, sacrifice, and civic engagement. Democracy thrives on the constant tension between the governed and those in power; it is in this struggle that institutions are tested, refined, and deepened.”
The former National Auditor of the APC pointed out that the democracy we enjoy today was born out of the sacrifice of countless Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines who stood firm in defence of the people’s mandate on June 12, 1993.
“Amongst them were our current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, and many others. That struggle culminated in the birth of the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999. It is only fitting that June 12 is now recognised as our official Democracy Day, a lasting tribute to the spirit of resistance and resilience.”
Chukwuma made reference to Nobel laureates Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, in their book The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty, who, he noted, argued that democracy emerges and survives through a power struggle between state and society, between governments and civic organisations.
“This has proven true in Nigeria. Our federal institutions today are relatively more transparent and accountable than their state and local government counterparts. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), federal budgets, and national arms of government come under more scrutiny, largely because of sustained civic engagement and media attention.”
He categorically stated that this level of oversight is often absent at the state and local government levels and called for the broadening of Nigeria’s democratic lens.
“As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, I believe it’s time to broaden our democratic lens. Citizens and Civil Liberty Organisations must begin to shine more light on the democratic institutions of states and local governments. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional independence at these levels is not only necessary, it is essential. The quality of governance closest to the people has the greatest impact on their daily lives,” he concluded.