Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, said Nigeria’s Democracy was at a crossroads.
In a paper presented on Atiku’s behalf titled, ”Party Politics and Political Integrity: The Role of Political Parties and Opposition in Democracy” by Prof. Bayo Olukoshiat the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, he said what ishappening in Nigeria is capable of eroding democracy in the country.
According to Atiku, “There’s no doubt that our democracy is at a crossroads. Put simply, it is at the risk of eroding completely. And it is not caused by one single person or one single administration.
“In fact, a number of us have been warning over the years that we may come to this pass if we lose our vigilance and fail to take corrective actions to protect and deepen our democracy.
”At the risk of sounding immodest, I doubt that there are many contemporary senior political leaders, who have spoken out and done more to promote democratic governance in our country than me.
“In addition to public statements and presentations, I brought some actions to our courts which produced landmark judicial decisions intended to uphold democratic principles and practices.
”Some of that effort was thrust upon me by circumstances of political struggles. But much of my effort was because of two things: my participation among other leaders in the struggles to ease the military out of power; and my deep and enduring belief that democracy is the best route to development and unity for our diverse country and peoples.”
Atiku said democracy was characterised by, among other things, people’s freedom to choose their leaders, periodic elections, which partly ensured leaders’ commitment to the welfare of the governed, and leaders’ acceptance of guardrails (without restraints leaders tend to accumulate and abuse power).
He also cited the consequences for non-compliance, including rejection at the polls, an independent judiciary to adjudicate disputes, and in a presidential system, checks and balances among the three branches of government.