Introduction
Nigeria’s democratic journey has spanned more than two and a half decades of uninterrupted civilian rule. Since the restoration of democratic governance in 1999, the country has conducted successive elections, witnessed peaceful transfers of power, strengthened democratic institutions, and expanded civic participation.
These achievements are significant and worthy of recognition.
However, democracy cannot be measured solely by these antecedents. The true strength of a democracy lies in its ability to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives.
As Nigeria marks over twenty-five years of democratic governance, an important question demands urgent attention: Who is represented in our democracy, and who continues to be left behind? The answer reveals one of the greatest contradictions in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Understanding Sustainable Democracy
Sustainable democracy extends beyond elections and constitutional governance. It refers to a democratic system that remains resilient, accountable, inclusive, and capable of responding to the evolving needs of society. Such a democracy is characterised by:
– Inclusive participation.
– Equal representation.
– Strong institutions.
– Accountability and transparency.
– Respect for human rights.
– Protection of marginalized groups.
– Opportunities for future generations to influence governance.
Sustainable democracy thrives when citizens trust institutions and believe they have a stake in decision-making. Conversely, democracy weakens when large segments of society feel excluded from leadership and governance.
The place of Representation
Representation is therefore not a secondary benefit of democracy. Representation is the foundation of democracy itself. Young people dominate the country’s population and represent a powerful force for innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and economic growth.
Women remain central to national development, contributing significantly to education, agriculture, business, public service, healthcare, and community leadership. Persons with Disabilities continue to contribute meaningfully across various sectors despite persistent structural barriers. Yet there remains a significant disconnect between the demographics of the population and the demographics of leadership.
The 49.5% of the Population
Perhaps no issue illustrates Nigeria’s democratic challenges more clearly than the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance. Women constitute approximately 49.5% of Nigeria’s population and play critical roles in sustaining families, communities, businesses, political movements, and civic institutions.
Women vote.
Women campaign.
Women mobilize communities.
Women organize political structures.
Women finance campaigns.
Women advocate for policy reforms.
Yet despite these contributions, women’s representation within democratic institutions remains alarmingly low. The statistics tell a troubling story.
2023 general elections, only 4 women were elected into the 109-member Senate, representing approximately 3.7% of the Senate. Similarly, only 17 women secured seats in the 360-member House of Representatives, representing approximately 4.7% of the House. In practical terms, this means that for every 100 lawmakers making decisions on national issues, fewer than five are women.
This reality raises fundamental questions about democratic inclusion.
Today’s reality out of the 22 Political parties primary elections, it’s devastating that only 3 women secured a tickets to run for Senate in 2027, less than 2.7% , a troubling reduction from 3.7% in 10th Assembly. It makes a very strong case for the Special Seats Bill – a vote for which will attempt to balance the anomaly.
It begs the question- whose voices and decisions will be delivering a balanced yet intersectional policy that considers youth? Women? PWDs?
The cost of exclusion
The exclusion of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities carries significant consequences for democratic sustainability. When large segments of society remain underrepresented:
– Public trust in democratic institutions declines.
– Civic participation weakens.
– Social cohesion is undermined.- Innovation and talent are lost.
– Policy outcomes become less inclusive.
– Democratic legitimacy is weakened.
A democracy that excludes talent cannot maximize development.
A democracy that excludes voices cannot effectively represent its people.
A democracy that excludes citizens cannot sustain itself.
A democracy that creates a feeling of uncertainty and safety for its population erodes the trust she has in re-thinking a system that can be sustainable.
Conclusion
To re-imagine a sustainable democracy- we got to reflect on the fact that Nigeria’s democratic challenge is way beyond conducting elections and maintaining entitlement mentality. A sustainable democracy does not silence strategic truths; it creates a structure that gives opportunities for salient insights.
In reviewing our 27th year of democracy, we strongly need to re-think how representation forms a major component of democratic governance.
A democracy that excludes women cannot achieve its full potential.
A democracy that sidelines young people cannot secure its future.
A democracy that ignores Persons with Disabilities which make up over 30 million citizens, cannot claim to represent all citizens.
A democracy that slows in protecting the most vulnerable among us, our children, demonstrates a zero empathy towards life.
The sustainability of Nigerian democracy depends on our willingness to move beyond participation toward representation, beyond representation toward influence, and beyond influence toward transformational leadership.
The future of democracy must belong to all Nigerians. Only then can we truly speak of a sustainable democracy.
My team and I at HEIR Women Hub continue to hope and anticipate the release and safe return of our children and adults in captivity.
Happy Democracy Day.
Añuli Aniebo.