Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said that Nigeria has not fully attained true democracy, 25 years after its transition from military to civilian rule in 1999.
Speaking on Thursday during a Channels Television special event commemorating June 12 and themed ‘Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation On Building A Better Nation’, Fayemi argued that Nigeria currently operates a “semi-democracy,” stressing that elections alone do not equate to democratic governance.
“What we mustn’t do is conflate elections with democracy,” Fayemi said. “What we got in 1999 was the right to vote for our leaders, but in my view, we are yet to get real democracy.”
He acknowledged progress made under former presidents and the current administration, urging Nigerians to build on these foundations to strengthen democratic institutions.
Reflecting on his activism during the military era, Fayemi recalled the high-risk operations he and others undertook through Radio Kudirat, a clandestine station used to promote democratic ideals during General Sani Abacha’s regime.
“It’s not that we were not afraid; we just didn’t fully think of the enormity of the threat. I carried the transmitters of Radio Kudirat on an Air France flight to Cotonou which detoured to Lagos. I could have been arrested. Some weren’t as lucky and lost their lives,” he said.
Fayemi urged Nigerians not to forget the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, noting that many paid the ultimate price out of deep conviction.
He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for honouring several democracy heroes with national awards, describing it as a significant step in recognising the country’s democratic struggle.
