By Isaac Asabor
Every June 12, the Nigerian political class lines up with glowing tributes, banners, press statements, and national addresses celebrating what they now refer to as “Democracy Day.” But beyond the speeches and symbolism, one uncomfortable truth remains: many of those who celebrate June 12 in public are the same ones who sabotage democracy in practice.
They mouth the word “democracy,” but govern like emperors. They invoke the name of MKO Abiola, but spit on the principles he died for, free and fair elections, respect for the people’s will, accountable governance, and individual freedoms.
It is time Nigerian politicians, especially those in power, stop treating June 12 like a national costume to be worn once a year and start treating it like the ideal it truly is, a compass pointing towards real democracy.
In fact, there are plethora of undemocratic practices that contradict June 12. Let us not sugar-coat it: Nigeria’s democracy today is largely a façade, democratic in form, but autocratic in function.
For instance, election rigging and voter suppression are the inanities that usually characterized the electoral aspect of our democracy. From ballot box snatching to voter intimidation and vote-buying, elections in Nigeria are far from clean. The 2023 general elections, despite promises of transparency through technology like BVAS, were marred by accusations of result manipulation and logistical failures.
In a similar vein, clampdown on protesters and activists have become the norm. This is as peaceful protests, such as #EndSARS, were met with excessive force. Citizens exercising their right to dissent were arrested, brutalized, and in some cases, disappeared. Abiola stood for the right of the people to speak, today’s leaders punish those who dare speak up.
Also in similar vein, weaponization of security agencies is no longer considered to be undemocratic. The police, DSS, and EFCC are too often deployed against political opponents or critics, while corrupt allies enjoy protection. That is not rule of law that is rule of fear.
Going down the lane of sad memory, it is germane to recall in this context that disregard for Judicial orders recorded in Nigeria so far cut across started from El-Zakzaky to Nnamdi Kanu, and even to suspended Central Bank governors, and top officials. Withut a doubt, the Nigerian government has repeatedly ignored valid court orders. A government that cherry-picks which laws to obey is not a democratic government.
In fact, there is nothing democratic by gagging the press and censoring the internet. This is as Nigeria has in history recorded cases where journalists have been arrested and media houses threatened for publishing investigative stories. Social media spaces are monitored, and attempts have been made to pass oppressive laws like the “Hate Speech Bill” and the “Social Media Bill.” Is this the democracy Abiola died for?
If you truly honour June 12, then be democratic. Enough of the hypocrisy. You cannot shout “June 12” in the morning and jail citizens at night for expressing dissent. You cannot name roads and buildings after Abiola while practicing the same oppressive tactics used against him.
If Nigerian politicians truly wish to honour the spirit of June 12, they must govern democratically, not performatively.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, there is no denying the fact that reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy is expedient, and urgent. It is not too late to turn the tide. But it requires bold, structural reforms. If June 12 is to have meaning beyond ceremony, there democratic reforms which Nigeria urgently needs, and they cut across electoral reforms, judicial independence, freedom of the press and civil society, realistic local government autonomy and constituency transparency.
Explanatorily put, there is an urgent need for the government to adopt full electronic voting to reduce human interference and rigging, as well as resort to prosecute electoral offenders and establish a separate Electoral Offences Commission.
In a similar vein, there is an urgent need to remove the influence of incumbents and godfathers in the appointment of INEC officials by ensuring full independence of the commission.
In the area of judicial independence, the government should ensure that judges are insulated from executive manipulation, and one of the ways it can be achieved is by implementing financial autonomy for the judiciary across federal and state levels.
Concerning the aspect of freedom of the press and civil society, the government should repeal or revise any law that stifles free expression, such as the Cybercrime Act 2015, which has been used to jail journalists and critics, and as well provide legal backing and protection for investigative journalism and whistleblowers.
On local government autonomy, let us nod our heads that something good has been done, and at the same time let us sigh and wag our heads that what has been done is not good enough as it is not realistic. Therefore, it would be good if the government can enforce the constitutional autonomy of local governments to ensure grassroots development and reduce state-level dictatorship.
On constituency transparency, it suffices to opine that government should make it mandatory for all lawmakers to publish constituency project allocations and progress reports, as well as implement a citizen audit platform where citizens can monitor and verify these projects.
At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “How can citizens hold politicians accountable? To answer the foregoing question, it is germane to opine that democracy is not a spectator sport. Nigerians cannot afford to be passive while their future is being mortgaged. So, ordinary citizens can uphold the ideals of June 12 by voting wisely. It is no more democracy when they vote based on rice, wrappers, or slogans. The people should resort to investigating the candidate’s record, ask questions, and prioritize competence over tribe or religion.
In a similar vein, there is the need for the use of technology for civic vigilance. In fact, social media is a powerful tool that can be used by the people to expose wrongdoing, organize movements, and demand accountability.
In fact, since every Nigerian has a legislator, it is our collective responsibility to always hold them to their promises. This can be done by attending town halls, writing petitions and opinion articles and demanding responses. Do not let them disappear after elections.
Most importantly, there is an urgent need for the people to be supporting Independent media. This can be done by sharing articles holding government and politicians to account, and funding as well as defending independent journalists and platforms that speak truth to power.
Most importantly, Nigerians, particularly the youths should join civil society movements: Whether it is student unions, professional bodies, or NGOs, being part of organized civil society gives strength to citizen voices.
Not only that, the people should be demanding transparent governance by using the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to request details on public spending as well as compelling public officials to explain how every naira is used.
Above all, June 12 as a date should not only be celebratory, but it should also serve as a wake-up call, not a public holiday. In fact, June 12 is not just a holiday, it is a moral call to action. It is not about MKO Abiola alone, it is about you, me, and every Nigerian who desires a free, just, and democratic nation.
To those in government: Stop reciting June 12. Start practicing what it stands for. You claim to honor Abiola, yet trample on the democracy he paid for with his life. You mouth democratic platitudes while consolidating power and crushing opposition. That is not patriotism. That is betrayal.
To the people: June 12 must not be a day of rest, but a day of resistance. A day to reflect, organize, and demand better.
Let it be the date we remind ourselves that democracy is not a gift from the elite, it is a right we must protect and a battle we must fight daily. Until our leaders stop behaving like overlords and start serving like public servants, Nigeria will remain a nation celebrating democracy in theory, but not in practice.
Until then, June 12 is not yet fulfilled, it is still a struggle.
