Despite the wave of military takeovers rattling countries across West and Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria continues to shine as a symbol of democratic stability, according to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Akume made the declaration on Thursday during the Democracy Day Lecture at the State House in Abuja, part of the national celebrations marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
“At a period when many African countries are sliding back into military rule and dictatorship, Nigeria is powering forward in democratic rule,” Akume said.
Although he acknowledged that Nigeria is still on the journey to achieving its full democratic potential, Akume stressed confidence in the country’s path.
“Even though we have not attained the democratic height envisioned, we are confident that our path is straight and would lead us to our desired destination,” he noted.
This year’s lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” emphasized the need for sustained democratic reforms to protect Nigeria’s hard-won freedoms.
Since the military coup in Mali in August 2020, West and Central Africa have recorded more than ten coup attempts.
Countries like Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon have also seen democratically elected governments toppled by military juntas.
In a further blow to regional cohesion, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier in 2025.
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Akume also used the occasion to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s democracy activists, especially those involved in the historic June 12 movement.
“Today’s celebration would not have been possible but for the commitment and determination of ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality, and rights denial,” he said.
He described the June 12 struggle as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history: “From the towns and villages, the cries for democracy and just governance were a movement. That is the June 12 struggle. That movement gave birth to the new democratic regime.”
President Bola Tinubu, one of the prominent figures of the pro-democracy movement, was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Also in attendance were ministers, heads of government agencies, scholars, and civil society leaders.
Akume concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in defending democracy, adding that the nation owes a great debt to those who endured imprisonment, brutality, and even death to pave the way for the freedom enjoyed today.