By Peace Udugba
A public affairs analyst and Chairman of the Ijebu North East Forum (INEF), Bayo Ayanga, has questioned whether ordinary Nigerians have truly benefited from the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, arguing that the democratic process has not consistently reflected the will of the people.
Ayanga made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, while reacting to discussions surrounding the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and the broader state of governance in Nigeria.
His comments came against the backdrop of a Federal Government press briefing in Abuja outlining economic and social reforms under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” At the briefing, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, acknowledged the economic hardship faced by Nigerians but maintained that recent indicators show improvements in key sectors under the current administration.
Other officials at the briefing, including the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, described the event as a mid-term review and highlighted 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.
While acknowledging that Nigeria has maintained democratic rule since 1999, Ayanga argued that continuity alone should not be used as the sole measure of democratic success. He said the key question remains whether democracy has translated into tangible benefits for the majority of citizens.
He stated that although Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted civilian rule for 27 years, the quality of democratic outcomes must be examined beyond longevity.
Referencing the widely accepted definition of democracy as government of the people, by the people, and for the people, Ayanga argued that concerns over electoral credibility have weakened public confidence in the system. He cited remarks previously made by late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who admitted shortcomings in the electoral process that brought him into office, noting that questions over electoral integrity have persisted since 1999.
“So, if we go by that definition, the question is: have governments from 1999 till date truly been by the people? Are Nigerians genuinely the ones determining who leads them?” he queried.
He added that if governance is not truly “by the people,” then it cannot meaningfully be “for the people.”
Ayanga also criticised political parties for failing to fully internalise democratic principles in their internal structures.
He argued that despite reforms introduced through electoral legislation to improve participation and reduce imposition of candidates, party primaries have often fallen short of expectations.
According to him, the intention of electoral reforms, including provisions in the Electoral Act, was to give citizens and party members greater influence in selecting candidates who represent them, but implementation has not always reflected that goal.
He maintained that while some individuals may have benefited from democratic governance, many Nigerians still face economic hardship and limited access to the dividends of democracy.
Ayanga further noted that the increasing desire among young Nigerians to migrate reflects dissatisfaction with governance outcomes and a belief that democratic institutions function more effectively in other countries.
“Are Nigerians benefiting from democracy? My answer is no,” he stated.
The comments come as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule on June 12, 2026, a milestone in the country’s longest democratic stretch since independence, with ongoing debate over how effectively democratic institutions have improved living standards, economic growth, and inclusive governance.
Nigeria’s democratic journey began after independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960, but was repeatedly interrupted by military coups.
The current uninterrupted era, known as the Fourth Republic, officially began on May 29, 1999, when the military handed over power to an elected civilian administration led by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
