By Chimezie Godfrey
As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has declared that the country’s democracy was not gifted but earned through the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of patriots who confronted authoritarianism and fought for democratic governance.
In a statement marking June 12, CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, described the date as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and democratic struggle.
According to Rafsanjani, June 12 serves as a solemn reminder that the democratic freedoms enjoyed today were secured through the commitment and sacrifices of men and women who stood for justice, accountability, human rights, and the sovereignty of the people.
The organisation paid tribute to numerous pro-democracy activists, labour leaders, intellectuals, and civil society advocates whose efforts shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey. Among those honoured were Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Prof. Eskor Toyo, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Comrade Chima Ubani, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Innocent Chukwuma, Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, Douglas Oronto, Professor Abubakar Momoh, Dr Bala Yusuf Usman, and several others.
CISLAC also honoured the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference and countless unnamed patriots whose contributions laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic development.
”Their legacy remains a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility, and the continuous demand for good governance,” Rafsanjani stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, CISLAC acknowledged the significance of sustaining civilian governance and peaceful political transitions. However, the organisation stressed that democracy must be measured not merely by elections but by its capacity to deliver security, justice, welfare, and inclusive development.
The group expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and farmer-herder clashes as major threats to national stability.
According to Rafsanjani, no democracy can thrive where citizens live in fear, urging the government to pursue coordinated and effective security reforms anchored on intelligence gathering, accountability, and prevention.
CISLAC also raised alarm over worsening economic hardship, rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, noting that recent reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments have intensified the burden on citizens.
While recognising the objectives of the reforms, the organisation called for inclusive and people-centred policies capable of reducing inequality and protecting vulnerable groups from economic shocks.
The organisation further warned that persistent youth unemployment and underemployment pose serious risks to national stability, contributing to irregular migration, social frustration, and insecurity.
It advocated strategic investments in education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial development to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s growing youth population.
On corruption, CISLAC described the menace as a major impediment to democratic and developmental progress, arguing that it weakens public trust and diverts critical resources away from essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The organisation called for stronger institutions, protection of whistleblowers, transparent procurement processes, and the political will necessary to enforce accountability without bias or selective application.
While acknowledging some improvements in electoral administration, CISLAC expressed concern over persistent challenges including vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and the growing influence of money in politics.
The organisation also criticised weaknesses in internal party democracy, particularly candidate imposition and manipulated primary elections, urging reforms to strengthen political parties as vehicles of democratic representation.
CISLAC further lamented the decline in Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, citing the growing number of out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, manpower shortages, and rising costs of accessing services.
According to the organisation, sustainable democracy cannot be achieved without significant investment in human capital development and equitable access to quality education and healthcare.
The group also voiced concerns over shrinking civic space, declining public confidence in institutions, and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice.
It called for stronger and more independent institutions capable of discharging their responsibilities without political interference while upholding the rule of law.
Concluding, Rafsanjani maintained that while Nigeria’s democracy has endured for 26 years, mere survival is not enough.
He urged government, political actors, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to recommit themselves to transparency, accountability, participation, and respect for democratic values.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic future will ultimately be judged not by the conduct of elections alone but by the dignity, security, and prosperity enjoyed by its citizens.
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