Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the nation has experienced 26 years of uninterrupted civilian governance; an achievement often celebrated as a milestone in Africa’s democratic journey. Yet, despite the longevity, many Nigerians argue that democracy has yielded little in terms of accountability, citizen participation, and improved living standards. The promise of good governance, better infrastructure, and social justice remains largely unfulfilled, leaving ordinary citizens disillusioned about whether democracy has truly worked in their favour. Against this backdrop, debates about the quality and depth of Nigeria’s democracy continue to dominate the political space.
On Freedom Square TV programme, Beyond the Headlines, guest and seasoned analyst as well as advocate of good governance, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, engaged in a deep political discourse with host, Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D., examining the state of Nigerian democracy after 26 years of uninterrupted practice. The discussion, themed “Democratic Governance, Accountability, and Neglected Citizenry”, questioned whether democracy has truly delivered for the ordinary Nigerian.
Setting the tone for the discussion , Okonkwo asserted that what Nigeria practices is not democracy in its full sense but merely periodic elections. He explained that democracy is more than voting or running for office; it requires the active participation of citizens in governance. According to him, the seven fundamental elements of a democratic system,economic, educational, psychological, institutional, material, legal, and participatory conditions are absent. What Nigeria showcases, he said, is only the constitutional requirement for elections, which falls far short of building a true democratic culture.
Expanding on the weaknesses of Nigeria’s system, Okonkwo highlighted the shortcoming of the presidential model adopted by the country. Unlike the parliamentary system, where prime ministers are directly accountable to parliament, Nigerian presidents and governors, he noted, are accountable only to the electorate that voted them into power. He cautioned that many Nigerians mistakenly expect the legislature to hold the executive accountable, but this is constitutionally impossible except through impeachment. For accountability to thrive, he urged citizens to understand that the real responsibility lies with them to demand explanations from those they elect.
On the threats facing Nigeria’s democracy, Okonkwo highlighted hunger, poverty, and ignorance as deliberate tools used to suppress citizen participation. He lamented that a society where votes are bought and electoral processes lack transparency cannot deepen democracy. Citing the recent by-elections where accreditation procedures were unclear, results were transmitted manually, and citizens lacked the standing to challenge outcomes, he recalled the landmark case of Adesanya v. The President (1981) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In that case, the Supreme Court held that Senator Abraham Adesanya lacked the locus standi to contest an appointment, a ruling that, according to Okonkwo, continues to deny citizens the right to question electoral results that affect them directly.
Speaking further, he decried the apathy of the elite and the docility of citizens who disenfranchise themselves or remain silent in the face of poor governance. He stressed that democracy requires crusaders and patriotic citizens willing to agitate, question authority, and resist corruption. “Institutions must be strengthened, citizens must be at the centre of governance, and the gulf between leaders and the led must be closed,” he declared.
Okonkwo also underscored the role of the media and civil society, warning that many mainstream outlets are controlled by political elites. As an alternative, he encouraged Nigerians to use social and new media platforms to demand accountability directly from leaders. He insisted that democracy will not work unless citizens themselves begin to ask hard questions, monitor budgets, and insist on transparency at all levels of government.
Okonkwo added that Nigeria’s democracy has failed to translate into better living standards, particularly in rural areas where citizens still lack water, electricity, roads, and healthcare. He called for constitutional reforms, moral reawakening, and the emergence of incorruptible leaders who will resist vote-buying and serve the people. Only then, he emphasized, can Nigeria move beyond a paper democracy into a system that truly works for its citizens.