Nigeria was yet to attain full democratic status, 26 years after returning to civil rule, former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has said
Fayemi stated this when he was a guest of Channels Television programme held to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.
He said despite elections being held, Nigeria is yet to fully democratize, adding “We must not confuse the conduct of elections with the practice of democracy,” he said.
“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 said there has been progress, but maintained 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.
“It wasn’t about being fearless,” he said. “We knew the risks, but we believed we were doing the right thing. I once carried Radio Kudirat’s transmitter on an Air France flight that ended up in Lagos at the height of the struggle. That alone could have cost me my life.”
The former governor said those who died in the process were not reckless but simply committed to the cause of freedom.
“Some of us survived by sheer luck. The people who died were not careless. They believed in the mission and paid the ultimate price.”
He recalled that at the Oputa Panel some operatives revealed that they were ordered to kill leaders of the resistance.
Fayemi commended the national honours recently given to 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.
“I was the face of Radio Kudirat, yes, but I didn’t do it alone,” he said.
“Many people risked their lives. They also deserve to be acknowledged. It is not enough to reward the visible figures while ignoring those who made it all possible behind the curtain.”
Fayemi’s remarks have reignited conversations on how much ground Nigeria still needs to cover to be regarded as a true democracy.
