By ALO 360 Editorial Board
Today, Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. Since the restoration of civilian rule on May 29, 1999, the country has sustained democratic rule, conducted regular elections, and witnessed multiple transfers of power between elected governments. For a nation that spent 29 of its first 39 years after independence under military rule, this achievement deserves recognition.
June 12 is more than a public holiday. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, and ordinary Nigerians who resisted military dictatorship and demanded democratic governance. Their struggle ensured that political power would no longer flow from the barrel of a gun but from the ballot box.
The gains of democracy are undeniable. Since 1999, Nigeria has avoided military coups and constitutional disruptions. The country has witnessed successive elections and transitions of power, including the historic 2015 election when an incumbent president peacefully conceded defeat to an opposition candidate. The media enjoys greater freedom than it did during military rule, civil society organisations continue to hold government accountable, and citizens can openly criticise their leaders without fear of detention under draconian decrees.
Democracy has also expanded political participation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recorded over 93 million registered voters ahead of the 2023 general election, one of the largest voter registers in Africa. The rise of social media has further strengthened citizen engagement, giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to participate in public discourse and demand accountability from those in power.
Yet, as Nigerians celebrate the survival of democracy, a painful question remains: Has democracy improved the quality of life of the average citizen?
The answer, unfortunately, is far less encouraging.
Twenty-seven years after the return to civilian rule, poverty remains one of Nigeria’s defining challenges. The National Bureau of Statistics reported in 2022 that about 133 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, representing 63 per cent of the population. This means millions of citizens lack access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and adequate living standards.
The situation is particularly troubling for young people. Despite the promise of democratic governance, unemployment and underemployment continue to limit opportunities for millions. Increasingly, many young Nigerians see migration rather than nation-building as the path to a better future. The growing “Japa” phenomenon is perhaps one of the clearest votes of no confidence in the country’s ability to provide opportunities for its most productive citizens.
Education, which should be the foundation of national development, remains in crisis. According to UNICEF, Nigeria had over 18 million out-of-school children in 2024, one of the highest figures in the world. No democracy can claim to be fulfilling its promise when millions of children are denied access to basic education.
Food security presents another grim picture. UNICEF’s 2024 report estimated that about 31.8 million Nigerians lacked sufficient access to food. This is occurring in a country blessed with vast agricultural potential and abundant natural resources. Rising food prices have placed enormous pressure on households, with many families now spending a significant portion of their income simply to survive.
Insecurity has become another major stain on Nigeria’s democratic journey. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and armed robbery continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across different parts of the country. Entire communities have been displaced, schools attacked, and economic activities disrupted. The constitutional duty of government to protect lives and property remains a challenge that successive administrations have struggled to overcome.
The economy offers little comfort. While governments frequently point to reforms and macroeconomic indicators, the reality confronting ordinary Nigerians is one of rising living costs. The prices of fuel, electricity, transportation, food, rent, and cooking gas have increased sharply in recent years. The average Nigerian worker is finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities. Economic growth figures mean little when citizens cannot feel their impact.
The quality of elections also remains a concern. Although Nigeria conducts regular elections, questions surrounding transparency, vote buying, electoral violence, and the management of election results continue to undermine public confidence. The 2023 presidential election illustrated this challenge. Despite having over 93 million registered voters, only about 25 million votes were cast. Such low participation should worry everyone who cares about the future of democracy. It suggests that many citizens have become disillusioned with the electoral process.
Equally troubling is the persistence of corruption and the high cost of governance. While citizens are repeatedly urged to make sacrifices in the interest of reforms, many public officials continue to enjoy privileges that seem disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians. Democracy cannot flourish where public office is perceived as a pathway to personal enrichment rather than public service.
The lesson from 27 years of democratic rule is clear: democracy is not merely about conducting elections. It is about delivering security, prosperity, justice, accountability, and opportunities for citizens. The absence of military rule, while important, cannot be the only measure of democratic success.
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, the nation must resist the temptation of self-congratulation. The endurance of democracy deserves applause, but the performance of democracy demands honest scrutiny. Nigerians have protected democracy for 27 years; it is now time for democracy to protect Nigerians.
The next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey must focus on building strong institutions, strengthening electoral credibility, reducing poverty, creating jobs, investing in education, improving security, and ensuring that economic growth translates into better living conditions for ordinary citizens.
Twenty-seven years after the restoration of civilian rule, the verdict is mixed. The gains are significant. The pains are undeniable. Nigeria has succeeded in keeping democracy alive. The challenge before its leaders is to make democracy worth living for.
