By Gloria Akudoro
Political leaders have called for greater commitment to deepening Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that strong institutions, ideological political parties and respect for the rule of law are essential to sustaining democratic governance and promoting national development.
The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of a book titled, “Nigeria’s Journey to Democratic Rule” written by Onyekachi Eze-Opezulu, a seasoned journalist with New Telegraph Newspaper.
Former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Party (APC), Senator Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the author for carefully documenting important milestones in Nigeria’s democratic history, describing the publication as a valuable contribution to scholarship and national discourse.
According to Ganduje, “democracy is much more than the conduct of elections every four years. It is built on enduring principles such as the rule of law, respect for constitutional order, an independent and credible electoral management body, vibrant political parties that practise internal democracy, a secure environment that allows citizens to participate freely in the political process, and elections that are free, fair and credible.”
He, however, pointed to the lack of ideology in political parties as a major factor weakening party politics and encouraged defections, stressing that political parties should be driven by clear philosophies, programmes and policy directions that distinguish one from another.
“Unfortunately, the absence of strong ideological foundations has, over the years, weakened party politics, encouraged defections based on personal interests rather than principles, and made it more difficult for citizens to identify clear policy alternatives.
Strengthening internal democracy and promoting issue-based politics will undoubtedly deepen our democratic culture and enhance public confidence in the political process.
“As we celebrate this intellectual contribution, we must also reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting and strengthening our democracy. While no democratic system is perfect, Nigeria has continued to make steady progress through the resilience of its institutions and the commitment of its people,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described the book as an important educational resource that documents Nigeria’s Democratic transition from the military rule.
Represented by Ibidapo Okunu, the minister said the publication comes at a critical time when Nigeria needs well-researched contributions to enrich public understanding of the country’s democratic journey and preserve its political history for future generations.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to consolidating democracy through Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister said President Bola Tinubu administration is determined to meet Nigerians expectations by tackling hunger, poverty, ignorance, instability and other socio-economic challenges, while promoting prosperity, national harmony, and sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, former Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, also commended the author for preserving and important chapter of Nigeria’s political history. He noted that the book serves not merely as a historical account but also as a political manual, a valuable handbook that reflects our democratic struggles, achievements, and aspirations.
Al-Makura who also doubles as the Chairman of the book launch, disclosed that Nigeria marked her 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance on May 29 this year, the longest period of democratic rule since our independence on October 1, 1960. “During this period, our democracy has continued to mature and evolve. We have witnessed peaceful transfers of power, including the historic transition from a ruling party to an opposition party at the federal level, a milestone that strengthened confidence in our democratic process.”
Represented by Honourable Mallam Markpa, Deputy Director-General, Media and Publicity, Mohammed Adamu Organisation, Al-Makura called Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious belief, to remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions and consolidating the democratic gains collectively achieved over the past 27 years.
The book launch brought together journalists from various media organisations, while goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, represented by Hon. Mohammed Jungudo, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
