Ideals of Democracy Champions Have Been Abandoned, Says Atiku

Nigeria's democracy has strayed from the foundational ideals of freedom and prosperity, according to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Delivering a keynote address at a Democracy Day dialogue, Abubakar commended Nigerians for their resilience but expressed deep concern over the current state of governance and national well-being.

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The quality of democracy and behaviour of political actors betray the ideas of those who fought and died for democracy in Nigeria.

Abubakar pointed to a stark disconnect between democratic processes and tangible benefits for citizens. He highlighted the "unbearable burden" of the cost of living crisis, with essential goods like fuel, food, and medicine becoming luxuries. Food insecurity, he noted, is a daily reality for millions, exacerbated by farms lying fallow and empty markets. The nation's defense budget, despite rampant insecurity, has seen only 7.11% accessed, a statistic he finds alarming.

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The cost of living crisis has exploded into an unbearable burden that is crushing ordinary families. Fuel, goods, transport and medicine have become luxuries that few Nigerian’s can afford.

The former Vice President also decried the epidemic proportions of youth unemployment, which he believes condemns Nigeria's brightest talents to idleness and despair, fueling a significant brain drain and forced migration. "We hold elections periodically, but 70 percent of Nigerians do not believe those exercises reflect their wishes or allow them to vote out bad government," Abubakar stated, questioning the efficacy of democratic institutions that appear "weaponized against the very people they were created to protect."

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Food insecurity has become synonymous with our daily reality. The statistics are staggering and the warnings of impending hardship now haunt millions.

Furthermore, Abubakar lamented Nigeria's diminished standing on the regional, continental, and global stages. Once Africa's powerhouse, he argued, the nation is now merely "tolerated" and frequently sidelined. He cited rampant corruption, the erosion of national unity by "narrow, parochial interests," and a pervasive societal decay affecting all segments of the country. "Most heartbreaking of all is the mounting insecurity that has turned par," he concluded, painting a grim picture of a nation struggling under the weight of its challenges.

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We hold elections periodically, but 70 percent of Nigerians do not believe those exercises reflect their wishes or allow them to vote out bad government.