Metro
Democracy Day 2019: Of “Stolen Mandate” and Second Bite at the Cherry
By Raymond Nkannebe
A dark cloud hung in the firmament as president Muhammadu Buhari took his second oath of office yesterday as the 5th democratically elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While it was a day of jubilation in the camp of the ruling APC despite the ugly events of Zamfara couple of days ago, it was a sharp contrast in the camp of the main opposition party who continues to maintain that the mandate of their Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was stolen in an election that can only be qualified by one word : controversy. It is on record that president Muhammadu Buhari has been dragged to the tribunal by the PDP and it’s candidate Atiku Abubakar contending that his victory was a contrived one, and asking to be declared the winner of the election. Little wonder why as the low-key event at the Eagle Square went on, #AtikuDeyCome and #StolenMandate trended on the microblogging platform-Twitter. Some persons even argued that the reason for the low-keyed celebration yesterday was the uncertainty of how long the victory would last especially in the face of the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Zamfara. The presidency however has a different explanation for the rather unusual occasion highlighted by the non-reading of the traditional inaugural address.
On a day that usually boasts the presence of many former leaders of the Country and dignitaries from outside our shores, yesterday’s event was a radical break from the
past. As the ceremony took it’s tool, only one former head of state was visible-Alhaji Yakubu Gowon; a presence that put in sharp focus the abscence of his counterparts. Former presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan perhaps would rather attend to other engagements than play guest to a president whose victory is touted to have been on a dirty electoral slate than confer legitimacy on the process with their presence. For the presidency however, the abscence of these men may not completely be surprising having hot hidden their support for the opposition party in the build up to the last general elections. The jury however is still out on whether the loud abscence of some of these former leaders accords with their lofty position as statesmen.
Arguably no one understands the concept of “stolen mandate” more than president Muhammadu Buhari. All through his attempt at becoming a democratically elected president, it is on record that he challenged each of those elections in court all of which culminated at the Supreme Court in a hurting defeat leaving behind a large body of adjectival jurisprudence on electoral disputes. He therefore appreciates Atiku’s position having shared his ‘shoes’ more than once. Yet, the recently scandalised presidential election Petitions tribunal at the instance of the petitioners, remains without a chairman, and until it gets one, cannot effectively adjudicate on the extent to which Atiku Abubakar’s mandate was stolen as widely believed by his support base. Part of that process would also be to find out whether President Muhammadu Buhari won a popular victory in substantial compliance with the current state of our electoral laws as the supreme court remains of the considered sentiments that no election is a perfection.
Pending when all that is done and the realities to be brought about by it, president Muhammadu Buhari stands on the better side of fortune having being administered with the 2nd instructive oath of office that earns him a second bite at the cherry. It is a rare privilege that must not be taken for granted by the septuagenerian, his first term having not been completely a success in the socio-economic details of governance.
As many analysts have observed, his second term in office affords him the latitude and the benefit of hindsight to right some, if not all the wrongs of his first term under the saddle. There is a consensus in town that this president’s respect for the Rule of Law, has been anything but complimentary given his body lexis to certain judicial pronouncements as appertains to the civil liberties of some senior citizens who could just pass for prisoners of conscience on account of the peculiarities of their prolonged incarceration. To underscore the importance of this, the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)-a leading voice of the Civil Society instructively admonishes that every single day of Buhari’s second term should be expended in the observance of the Rule of Law. This writer cannot agree less.
Beyond the Rule of Law, President Muhammadu Buhari owes it as a duty to Nigerians to better their socio-economic wellbeing as far as practicable. Under his watch in the first term, The Brookings Institution rated Nigeria as the country with the poorest citizens instructively observing that for every 6 minutes that passes, at least one Nigerian falls into extreme poverty. This economic reality leaves a sour taste in the mouth. And by all means, adequate remedial measures must be taken to lift as many people as possible out of poverty. And it does not take rocket science to do that having been experimented in many countries around the world. Buhari’s new economic team must therefore not compromise on this task. Happily, ours is not a nation in short supply of capable hands and egg heads, and all efforts must be made to narrow political considerations in search of a team with the wherewithal to turn around this economy for the greatest good of the greatest number. If more and more Nigerians can put food on their table, president Buhari would have delivered on a core mandate of governance: food security.
In the sundry areas of security, infrastructure, the fight against corruption, education, labour relations, healthcare inter alia, president Muhammadu Buhari cannot afford not to consolidate on the string of gains made here and there under his first term. In the look out for his new retinue of ministers which must not take forever, the right heads must be hunted to bring to bear their wealth of experience in the general service to motherland. Decrepit and deficit infrastructure remains an albatross on our journey to economic boom, and everything must be done to upend it’s current slate. The same attitude must also be extended to other areas where we continue to play catch-up.
Having said that, it is in bad taste that the election that affords this second term remains a litigious warfare. And not just that, a staggering 736 election Petitions remain in docket of the judiciary in virtually all parts of the country. This leaves behind an ugly impression for our electoral process and effectively puts electoral reforms in issue. Analysts are agreed that the failure to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was precipitous of the charade that was the 2019 general elections. A sentiment that lays the blame at the feet of the president rightly or wrongly.
As a matter of urgency therefore, president Muhammadu Buhari must make it a cardinal plank of his second term in office to enhance our electoral process which few days ago was bemoaned by the chairman of the electoral commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. A veritable way out is the enthronement of the modalities of electronic voting and legislative sanctioning of same atleast before the next general elections. President Muhammadu Buhari is himself a victim of our sloppy electoral system, and must rise to the occasion in rewriting the story. Seeing that our democracy would not be captured in refreshing adjectives with our periodic elections almost always the subject of impossible litigations.
Having declared a fortnight ago that Nigeria must restructure to make any meaningful progress, even if in what could compete for the greatest turn-about of the century given his earlier posturing to the restructuring debate, President Muhammadu Buhari has the rare opportunity of restructuring Nigeria along fiscal lines so as to unbundle the unwieldy and behemoth unitary system mistaken for a federalism. A sure way to do that is to look back at the report of the well regarded 2014 CONFAB which pundits believe has addressed all the salient issues that often rear their heads whenever the restructuring question comes up. Sending that report to the 9th National Assembly might just be the boldest effort at restructuring.
All things considered, the general circumstances of his life, leaves the irresistible conclusion that president Muhammadu Buhari is a friend of history. It was British professor Dave Wilson that said, “sometimes life gives you a second chance. Or even two! Not always, but sometimes! It’s what you do with those second chances that counts”.
This much, represents the political trajectory of this president. His first coming was as a military dictator some 36 years ago, long before this writer was born. Providence ushered him again onto the scene four years ago as the 4th democratically elected president of Nigeria. Here he is again, looking set to join the lean tribe of Nigerians who ruled the country for at least a decade and suffice it to say that he has all the opportunity in the whole wide world to become one of Nigeria’s greatest presidents. Pending the outcome of the Petition against him, he must be alive to Dave Wilson’s admonitions that it is what we do with the second chance life throws at us, that counts.
Raymond Nkannebe is a legal practitioner based in Lagos.
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
