Buhari's Democracy Day Gesture: A Testament to Historical Significance and Unfulfilled Dreams

Strategic Insights -

On June 6, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day, in recognition of the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola's wins in the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This move marked a significant step towards acknowledging the nation's democratic journey, which has been marred by challenges such as electoral violence, vote-buying, and a lack of transparency and accountability. The gesture, however, falls short of addressing the inherent flaws in Nigeria's democratic system, including the manipulation of institutions and the widening gap between democratic ideals and governance reality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The June 12, 1993, presidential election, which saw MKO Abiola win, was a credible exercise with a free and fair outcome, setting a precedent for future elections.
  • The transition from May 29 to June 12 as Democracy Day is historic, recognizing the significance of Abiola's win and the democratic journey of Nigeria.
  • Nigeria's democratic journey has been marked by challenges, including electoral violence, vote-buying, rigging, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and harassment.
  • The nation's democractic systems is plagued by a judiciary perceived as corrupt, with justice perceived as up for sale, amidst weakening institutions.
  • The country is battling corruption, with billions of naira stolen or mismanaged, hindering the government's ability to provide governance and protect lives and property.
  • The current administration's handling of economic policies has led to poverty, increased inflation, and a decline in living standards.
  • The nation's future depends on addressing the inherent flaws in its democratic system, including electoral reform, strong institutions, and an unconditional commitment to democratic values of justice, equity, and freedom.

Statistics:

  • 220 million people, more than half of who know about the June 12 phenomenon through a second-hand account.
  • 32 years have passed since the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which remains one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria's history.
  • 25 years of the current democratic dispensation have seen little progress in achieving genuine electoral reform and strengthening institutions.
  • 60 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, with the country ranked as the world's poverty capital less than five years ago.
  • The cost of living in Nigeria is high, with the petrol price per liter at almost N1,000 and electricity tariffs increased without corresponding improvements in supply.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • This Day
  • Vanguard News