Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, (rtd) has said 25 years of uninterrupted democracy should be attributed to the resilience of ordinary Nigerians.
General Abubakar whose administration incidentally midwife transfer of power to civilian government in 1999 made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja at a book launch with the theme, “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria–The Imperative of Nigeria’s Political Stability: Issues and Solutions,” organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
General Abubakar who acknowledged threats to democracy by those he called reactionary forces, maintained that faith in the democratic process by ordinary Nigerians has fostered its survival.
He said: “Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. There is no substitute for the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people.
“This year will also make it 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since 1st October 1960, when the country got Independence from the British colonial masters.
“I am happy that my government, as the then military Head of State ushered in this era of democracy when I handed over power to the elected President on 29th May 1999. My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance. It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute, and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.
“We should therefore keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule. Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived. It is a testament to citizen’s belief and resilience in representative governance.”
General Abubakar appealed to the gathering of chairmen of political parties not to downplay party supremacy, fidelity to party manifestoes, and revival of party ideology.
In his keynote address, former Senate President. Anyim Pius Anyim expressed concern over dearth in national consciousness which he attributed to pervasive ethnic consciousness.
He noted that the placement of ethnic above national interest has over the years nurtured mutual ethnic distrust.
He said: “It is my belief that every other factor that has affected the progress and Stability of our country derives from our inability to effectively manage our plural composition and lift national consciousness over and above ethnic interests.
“It does not require any special wisdom to note that without overcoming mutual suspicion and distrust, we shall remain unable to collectively commit to building one nation for all, where systems, structures, and programmes of government engender a general sense of belonging, which in turn inspires national consciousness, patriotism, and pride.
“I am therefore compelled to state unequivocally, that no nation has progressed on a sprawling foundation of mutual suspicion or crisis of confidence among her components units.”
In his address, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ( INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, restated his concern for restoration of internal democracy in the political parties. He noted that adherence to internal democracy promotes strong democratic practices.
He said: “One of the key responsibilities of political parties is the conduct of credible primary elections. Internal party democracy is the foundation upon which credible general elections are built. Effective leadership recruitment is made possible only when eligible persons with capacity are selected through duly conducted party primaries and put up for elections.
“When political parties uphold democratic principles in their internal processes. It enhances public confidence in the electoral system and strengthens democratic governance.
“Unfortunately, we have witnessed instances where lack of internal democracy has led to disputes, litigations, and disruptions in the electoral process. It is, therefore, imperative that political parties remain committed to transparent, fair, and credible primaries. As we move towards future elections, I urge all political parties to strengthen their internal governance mechanisms and ensure that their processes reflect the will of their members. A democratic society begins with democratic political parties.
“Political parties must invest in building strong and law-abiding institutions with distinct ideological leanings, rather than in installing behemoths.”
The INEC Chairman also disclosed his Commission’s collaboration with the National Assembly to initiate some reforms in the Electoral Act ahead next general elections. He admonished the leadership of the political parties to be willing collaborators in INEC’s engagement with National Assembly on electoral reform.
“We recognize that electoral reforms are not the sole
responsibility of INEC or the National Assembly alone. Political parties, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Nigerians must actively support and advocate for necessary legislative amendments that will strengthen our democracy and make it much more inclusive.
“I, therefore, challenge IPAC and all political actors here today to champion these reforms, advocate for laws that enhance the credibility of our elections and work
collectively towards an electoral system that is fair, just, and representative.”
Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, said the publication. “100 Years of Political Party Evolution in Nigeria,” was to “reflect on the lessons of the past, celebrate the milestones of the present, and chart a course for a future filled with unity, progress, and prosperity for all Nigerians.”
