June 12 and the Nigerian Democracy: A Celebration or a Cautionary Tale?

  

~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel

Democracy Day in Nigeria, celebrated annually on June 12, is a day steeped in emotion, history, and the enduring quest for freedom. It commemorates the now-legendary June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history—annulled by the military regime despite the clear will of the people. That date etched in sacrifice and symbolic power was revalidated in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially declared it Democracy Day in place of May 29.

But 31 years on from that defining moment, and 25 years into continuous democratic rule under the Fourth Republic, a pressing question looms:

Is Nigeria truly enjoying the dividends of democracy, or merely enduring its disappointments?

Democracy, On Paper and In Practice

We have had six general elections (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023), and a peaceful transition of power between rival political parties—a significant marker of a democratic system. But democracy is not just about voting. It’s about governance, justice, freedom, and socio-economic well-being.

“A ballot box without justice is an empty ritual.”

While the Constitution remains intact and electoral reforms are frequently debated, Nigeria continues to grapple with democratic underperformance.

Socioeconomic Realities: Who Feels Democracy?

Democracy becomes a mockery when millions go to bed hungry, schools are dilapidated, and hospitals operate without essential drugs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS):

 Over 133 million Nigerians (63% of the population) are multi-dimensionally poor

 Over 20 million children are out of school, mostly in northern Nigeria

 Youth unemployment stands at 53.4% as of Q4 2024

 Inflation has crossed 33%, with food inflation nearing 40%

 Fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation have pushed millions below the poverty line

These figures are not just data. They are real lives, dashed hopes, and broken promises.

“Democracy without prosperity is like freedom in a cage—loud, visible, but ultimately meaningless.”

What About the Children?

Our vulnerable children—those who should be the future beneficiaries of democracy—are bearing the brunt of policy failures.

 Children in IDP camps surviving on scraps

 Street hawkers under 10 years old risking their lives to feed their families

 School children fainting in classrooms due to hunger

 Child marriage, child labour, and child trafficking still persist despite all treaties

Rhetorical question: What future are we building when our most precious assets—our children—are being wasted daily?

Democratic Culture or Political Convenience?

Since 1999, Nigeria has been ruled by just two major political parties: PDP and APC—both of which have often prioritized self-preservation over reform. Power frequently circulates among a closed elite, with recycled faces dominating national leadership for decades.

The question is no longer whether we have democracy—but what kind.

 Is it representative or deceptive?

 Is it government for the people or government for the powerful?

 Are we progressing or just rotating in circles?

“When the same faces rule the nation for decades, we must ask—are we practicing democracy or aristocracy in disguise?”

Where Have We Missed It?

 Weak institutions: Many state institutions are politicized and lack independence

 Corruption: Nigeria ranks 145 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index

 Security breakdown: From Boko Haram to banditry, insecurity has displaced over 3.2 million Nigerians

 Disregard for the rule of law: Court rulings are often ignored by political actors

 Electoral malpractice: Voter suppression, vote buying, and judicial interference in election outcomes are still rampant

The Way Forward: Recommendations

 Strengthen institutions through reform, funding, and non-partisan leadership

 Invest in education and healthcare, prioritizing children and youth development

 Implement true electoral reforms, including electronic transmission of results and diaspora voting

 Promote transparency and accountability, starting with asset declaration and public procurement processes

 Adopt inclusive governance, ensuring youth, women, and marginalized groups have seats at the table

 Embrace economic diversification, reducing dependence on oil and investing in agriculture, tech, and manufacturing

Final Reflections

June 12 should not be another public holiday filled with ceremonial parades and empty speeches. It should be a day of honest introspection and civic reawakening. A day when we look around and ask: “Is this the Nigeria MKO Abiola died for?”

“Democracy is not a destination—it is a journey. And in this journey, silence in the face of failure is betrayal.”

We must not just celebrate democracy—we must demand it, protect it, and perfect it.

Because in the end, a truly democratic Nigeria is not a gift we inherit from our leaders, but a legacy we build through collective sacrifice, vigilance, and courage.

Happy Democracy Day.

May our voices never be silenced again.