ABUJA, Nigeria – On the occasion of Nigeria’s 2023 Democracy Day, celebrated on June 12, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar expressed concerns that the country’s democracy remains in “bondage.” He argued that it will require collective effort from all Nigerians to rescue it.
In a statement released on Sunday, June 11, 2023, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the February 25, 2023, presidential election called for an end to the undue influence of the governing elite over election outcomes.
Abubakar stated that Democracy Day provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on their journey towards democratic governance.
He noted, “Democracy without a corresponding commitment to the principles of fairness and fidelity to the rule of play by stakeholders in the processes of conducting elections still leaves the people prostrate to tendencies of dictatorship.”
The former Vice President further emphasized that for Nigeria’s democracy to mature fully, it must move away from the current practice where the ruling elite decide election outcomes.
He acknowledged that the development of Nigeria’s democracy still requires significant effort.
Abubakar said, “Democracy and the process of democratization is a constant work in progress. While what we celebrate today is a return to civil rule in Nigeria, the desire to make our democracy self-sustaining and independent of anti-democratic elements is the new frontier of participation by all democrats.”
He pointed out that the future of Nigeria’s democracy hinges heavily on actions taken today.
In his congratulatory message to Nigerians, he highlighted the reality that democracy in Nigeria remains restrained and requires a collective effort for its liberation.
