*IN DEFENCE OF DEMOCRACY: A DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE BY VALENTINE OZIGBO*
My dear compatriots,
Today, as we mark Democracy Day 2025, it’s fitting to honour our nation’s journey and renew our resolve to make democracy work—for every Nigerian in every corner of this country.
This day takes root from the sacrifice of one man and the will of millions.
On June 12, 1993, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won what remains, by many accounts, the freest and fairest election in our nation’s history. But his victory was annulled, not by the people, but by the gun barrel; in the years since the courage of that moment has endured in our collective memory. That is why we no longer mark May 29 but June 12 as our Democracy Day.
The Fourth Republic began in 1999 and has taken us through hills and valleys. It has survived power transitions, insurgencies, economic tremors, and institutional betrayals. Yet, here we are—still standing, still hoping, still pressing forward.
But let’s not romanticise survival.
Democracy in Nigeria is under strain.
We see growing voter apathy because our people no longer believe their votes count. We see rising cynicism because, too often, leadership is imposed, not chosen. We see the foundations of democracy—free and fair elections, transparent processes, accountable governance—being chipped away by systemic failure and political expediency.
Worse still, the winds of authoritarianism are gathering—both at home and across Africa.
Military coups are returning in West Africa, and strongman politics is gaining new admirers. Across the continent, from Bamako to Ouagadougou, from Niamey to N’Djamena, there’s a dangerous nostalgia for autocracy.
Let me be clear: democracy is not perfect. But what is the alternative?
Should we trade ballots for bullets?
Should we silence dissent and call it order?
Should we normalise fear in place of freedom?
Try writing an article like this under the regimes of Myanmar, Sudan, North Korea, or even present-day Russia—and you’ll quickly understand why democracy, with all its flaws, is still the freest expression of the human spirit.
At its core, democracy is the right of a people to choose their leaders—and to remove them. When that choice is denied or manipulated, democracy dies a little.
Nigeria needs not a replacement for democracy but a restoration of its integrity.
Let us fix the process.
Let us begin with electoral reform—real, meaningful reform.
Let us demand transparency in our primaries and credibility in our general elections.
Let us embrace technology, not just as a tool but as a guarantee that every vote cast is a voice heard.
When the people truly choose, leaders behave differently. Governance becomes service, not entitlement. And that is when we will begin to see the dividends of democracy—the rule of law, youth empowerment, economic justice, and national unity.
Today, I had the honour of watching His Royal Majesty, Dr. Oluyemi Falae, CFR, GCON—respected elder statesman, former Minister of Finance, and Secretary to the Military Government under General Ibrahim Babangida—share his wisdom on The Morning Show on Arise News.
With characteristic depth and clarity, he drew a compelling comparison between the presidential and parliamentary systems of government. His conclusion was clear and courageous: Nigeria would be better served by a parliamentary system.
On this, I agree wholeheartedly.
Rather than entertaining a dangerous slide into authoritarianism or abandoning democracy altogether, we must boldly and intelligently summon the will to reform it. I join the growing chorus of thoughtful Nigerians calling for a sincere restructuring of our nation.
We need a system that offers more accurate representation, is less beholden to money politics, and aligns more closely with our socio-economic realities. We need a system that decentralises power, reduces the cost of governance, and makes public office more about service than conquest.
The bottom line? Nigeria is not short on ideas—we are short on courage.
Now is the time to make bold decisions.
Now is the time to place the common interest above vested interest.
Now is the time to rebuild this nation—not just tweak it, but overhaul it where needed.
Magic happens when purpose and courage meet. Let this Democracy Day be a moment where we embrace both.
To the Nigerian people, democracy is not a gift. It is a task, and it is ours.
Let us rise together and defend it. Let us work—across party lines, across tribes, across faiths—to build a democracy that works for all of us.
A democracy that reflects the will of the people.
A democracy that is anchored in integrity, justice, and truth.
This is the call of our time. And when we answer it, the Nigeria we dream of will not be delayed.
Happy Democracy Day.
Ka Anambra Chawapu!
Yours in faith and service,
*Valentine Ozigbo*
*Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Valiant Nation Builder.*
*June 12, 2025*
https://x.com/valentineozigbo/status/1933542379958518134?s=46
