Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has sounded an alarm over the precarious state of the nation’s democracy, warning that it is at risk of being eroded completely.
His remarks were made during a presentation at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja on Monday.
Political Leadership’s Failure to Protect Democracy
Atiku, whose paper was presented on his behalf by Prof. Bayo Olukoshi, stated that the country’s current political crisis did not arise by chance, but rather as a result of leaders failing to safeguard democratic principles. He emphasized that while the situation may seem dire, it is not attributable to one individual or administration, but to a collective neglect of responsibility over time.
Atiku’s Long-standing Advocacy for Democracy
Atiku reflected on his longstanding advocacy for democratic governance, noting his actions and public statements aimed at promoting democracy, as well as landmark court decisions he initiated to defend democratic principles. He attributed much of his drive to his involvement in the struggle to end military rule and his unwavering belief that democracy is the best means of achieving national development and unity.
The Pillars of Democracy: Freedom, Elections, and Accountability
According to Atiku, democracy is defined by the freedom of the people to choose their leaders through periodic elections, the commitment of leaders to serve the welfare of the citizens, and mechanisms to prevent the concentration and abuse of power. He warned that the erosion of these democratic principles is directly linked to the decline in governance, as citizens face increasing challenges in holding their leaders accountable.
The Threat of State Capture and Democratic Decline
Atiku emphasized the dangerous trend of state capture, which he argued is a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The result of this is a weakening of the people’s ability to remove leaders through democratic processes, marking a serious decline in governance.
Reform and Judicial Independence for a Stronger Democracy
Despite the challenges, Atiku believes that it is still possible to effect change through democratic means. He identified the strengthening of political party structures, adherence to party norms, consequences for non-compliance, and judicial reform as crucial pillars for bolstering Nigeria’s democracy.
Facing Resistance to Reforms: The Challenges of Power
In a veiled critique of the Bola Tinubu administration, Atiku noted that those currently in power are often reluctant to accept reforms that could shift the balance of power. However, he underscored that no party or individual remains in power indefinitely, and that reforms must be focused not just on the present, but on securing a stronger future for the nation’s democracy.
