President Tinubu on democracy

President Bola Tinubu celebrated Nigeria's 27-year milestone of unbroken civilian rule, emphasizing the nation's achievement of peaceful power transitions and the resolution of disagreements through democratic institutions rather than violence. He noted this period as the longest stretch of civilian governance in Nigeria's history.

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for 27 unbroken years… Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot box, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers, not through violence

However, the President's remarks have been met with a critical perspective, suggesting that Nigeria's political elite operates like "predators" who have captured the state. This view posits that the elite governs for their own exclusion of citizens, raising questions about the extent of freedom, justice, and accountability experienced by the average Nigerian. The sentiment is that the political class, through their actions, betrays the fundamental tenets of democracy.

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We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history.

A significant point of contention is the elite's alleged control over key institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary. By appointing officials to these bodies, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the elite is seen as effectively dictating electoral outcomes and compromising judicial independence. This concentration of power, critics argue, leaves citizens helpless and undermines their ability to freely choose leaders and seek justice, echoing Shakespeare's depiction of ambition where the ladder of ascent is discarded once the top is reached.

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Our democracy is not perfect, but… we must … strengthen it.