Written By Nduka Anyanwu
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as the most significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy: the increasing disengagement of citizens who no longer see the political system as responsive, inclusive, or reflective of their aspirations.
According to Barrister Ezeokenwa, democracy cannot survive on elections alone; it depends fundamentally on the trust, participation, and confidence of the people. He noted that while much attention is often placed on electoral disputes, judicial interference, and institutional weaknesses, the silent withdrawal of citizens from active democratic participation poses a far greater danger to the nation’s political future.
He observed that across Nigeria, voter apathy has become increasingly troubling, particularly among young people who feel disconnected from governance and disillusioned by repeated failures of leadership.
Many citizens, he said, have come to believe that their votes do not count, that political outcomes are determined by elite arrangements, and that governance no longer prioritizes the welfare of the people.
Barrister Ezeokenwa stressed that the foundation of democracy is representation. Citizens must believe that government listens to them, protects their interests, and responds to their daily challenges.
However, when public office becomes detached from public service, and governance appears to serve only a privileged few, democracy begins to lose both legitimacy and moral authority.
He pointed to the rising economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and weakened public institutions as major contributors to public frustration. According to him, many Nigerians feel unheard and abandoned, with little confidence that political participation will lead to meaningful change.
“The real danger,” he emphasized, “is when citizens stop believing in democracy itself. When people lose hope in democratic institutions, they become vulnerable to political manipulation, voter suppression, extremism, and even acceptance of authoritarian alternatives.
Democracy cannot thrive where hope has died.” The APGA Chairman also criticized the growing tendency of political parties to prioritize elite negotiations and judicial battles over genuine ideological competition and citizen engagement.
He argued that political parties must return to their core responsibility of offering credible alternatives, strengthening internal democracy, and serving as platforms for national development rather than personal ambition.
Barrister Ezeokenwa called for urgent reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the democratic process. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain transparency, impartiality, and credibility in elections, while emphasizing the need for judicial independence in resolving electoral disputes fairly and without political influence.
He further advocated stronger civic education to remind Nigerians that democracy extends beyond election day. Citizens, he said, must be encouraged to actively engage in governance, demand accountability, and participate in shaping public policy.
“Young Nigerians especially must understand that politics is not something to run away from,” he stated. “It is the very instrument through which the future of this country will be determined. Democracy requires active citizens, not passive observers.”
He also acknowledged the role of civil society organizations, religious institutions, traditional leaders, and the media in protecting democratic values and rebuilding trust between government and the governed.
Barrister Ezeokenwa concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria’s democracy can only survive and grow when citizens feel seen, heard, and represented.
“The strength of democracy lies not in political offices or institutions alone, but in the confidence of ordinary people that their voices matter. The greatest threat before us is not disagreement, but disengagement. If citizens withdraw, democracy weakens. If they participate, democracy survives.”
He urged all political actors to focus less on power struggles and more on rebuilding trust, strengthening institutions, and making governance truly meaningful for the Nigerian people.
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