Nigeria’s Democracy Derailing from People’s Mandate — Analyst

Public affairs analyst, Kolawole Johnson, has expressed concern that Nigeria’s democracy is fast losing its essence, lamenting that the system has been hijacked by greed, corruption, and self-interest.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Johnson said democracy in Nigeria has drifted far from its original purpose of serving the people.

“The democracy we practice in Nigeria is fashioned after the American system, which is rooted in John Locke’s social contract theory that gives power to the people,” he said. “Abraham Lincoln described democracy as government of the people, by the people, and for the people — but that is no longer what we have.”

According to him, a genuine democracy must originate from the people through the ballot, be managed by their representatives, and function solely to advance public welfare.

“If the people are not at the centre of democracy, then such democracy is under threat,” he warned.

Johnson alleged that the country’s political class had turned politics into a business enterprise, seeking office not for service but for personal gain.

“Why would a politician kill, maim, or snatch ballot boxes just to get power? It’s not for service; it’s for profit. Politics has become the biggest industry in Nigeria,” he said.

He estimated that “about 95 percent” of Nigerian politicians were not motivated by public service but by access to public funds, insisting that a democracy driven by personal enrichment cannot serve the people.

On the alleged coup rumours and perceived threats to the National Assembly, Johnson said the real danger confronting Nigeria lies in insecurity and citizens’ daily struggles.

“We are under threat every day — you can be kidnapped on the street; no one feels safe. The real threat is insecurity, not just political instability,” he stated.

He, however, lauded the Nigerian military for its measured and professional handling of the alleged coup reports, describing it as one of the most responsible responses in recent times.

“Imagine the panic that could follow if the military publicly admitted there was a coup attempt. The damage to Nigeria’s reputation and investor confidence would be severe,” he noted.

Johnson dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s recent military reshuffle was politically motivated, urging Nigerians to avoid divisive narratives.

Drawing historical parallels, he warned that the same issues that led to the fall of Nigeria’s First Republic — corruption, nepotism, and ethnic rivalry — have resurfaced more dangerously.

“Those three factors that destroyed the First Republic are not only still present but are even more entrenched today,” he said.

Johnson urged leaders to rebuild public trust through transparency and accountability, noting that citizens’ growing cynicism reflects a democracy losing credibility.

He expressed hope that the newly appointed service chiefs could restore confidence if they remain professional and patriotic.

“Nigeria has one of the best military institutions in the region. With professionalism and national interest at heart, they can stabilize the system,” he said.

He concluded that Nigeria stands at a decisive crossroads in its democratic journey.

“We are at a defining moment. Until we begin to take ourselves seriously as a people, the world will not take us seriously,” he cautioned.