Despite the challenges of nation-building, Nigeria remains a thriving democracy undergoing continuous consolidation, says Comrade Issa Aremu...
Despite the challenges of nation-building, Nigeria remains a thriving democracy undergoing continuous consolidation, says Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Legislative Studies (MINILS).
Speaking against what he termed the “new democracy-pessimism fad,” Aremu argued that without democracy, many leaders today would not have had the platform to demonstrate their capabilities.
He made these remarks at the 2025 Ramadan lecture in Ilorin and during a special prayer session in Kaduna marking President Bola Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, organized by the Arewa Think Tank Group.
Aremu emphasized the need for Nigerians to strengthen and deepen democratic governance, stating that “democratic optimism must not give way to despair in Africa.”
“With 19 registered political parties, over 93 million registered voters, 176,846 polling units, seven presidential elections since 1999, five elected Presidents—including one who graciously accepted defeat—numerous state and National Assembly elections, a vibrant media, active trade unions, and civil society, Nigeria stands as proof that democracy is alive and thriving,” he asserted.
He also urged the media to report responsibly, advising them to scrutinize those who spread pessimism about democracy for informed public discourse.
Aremu argued that Africa's development challenges require more democracy, with a focus on ideology-driven politics and governance programs, rather than fear-mongering. He further stressed that military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger must return power to elected governments through free and fair elections.
Aremu, who served as the Director of the Labour Directorate in the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in 2023, described Tinubu as an “audacious reformer.” He added that the President has a legitimate right to seek re-election in 2027 to build on his achievements, particularly in the labor sector.
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