Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, has said Nigeria remains short of full democratic status, twenty-six years after returning to civil rule.
Fayemi made the comment during an appearance on a television programme held to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.
According to him, while elections have become part of the country’s political calendar, Nigeria is yet to fully embody the core principles of democracy. “We must not confuse the conduct of elections with the practice of democracy. What we got in 1999 was the right to elect leaders, but that is only one element. What we have is civilian rule, not full democracy. At best, it is semi-democracy”, he stated.
He acknowledged the progress made under past and present administrations but insisted that deeper democratic culture and institutional reforms were still lacking.
Fayemi also reflected on his years as a pro-democracy activist during the military era, especially under the regime of late General Sani Abacha.
He recalled the operation of Radio Kudirat, a secret radio station used by activists to challenge the military government. He said those who died in the process were not reckless but simply committed to the cause of freedom.
Fayemi welcomed the national honours recently bestowed on some pro-democracy figures by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a commendable gesture. He, however, expressed dissatisfaction that several others, particularly those behind the scenes, were not recognised.
Fayemi’s remarks have reignited conversations on how much ground Nigeria still needs to cover to be regarded as a true democracy.
