Democracy worth defending despite challenges, says Akume

By Johnson Arua

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has declared that Nigeria's democracy remains worth defending despite the challenges confronting the nation's electoral and governance systems.

Akume made the assertion on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

Speaking on the theme, "27 Years of Democratic Governance: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead," the SGF called on Nigerians to actively participate in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the country's hard-earned civil rule.

Reflecting on Nigeria's democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Akume described the last 27 years as a period of resilience, determination and notable progress.

He noted that the country has successfully conducted eight consecutive general elections and recorded peaceful transfers of power across political parties and regions, including what he described as a historic transition from a ruling party to the opposition.

While acknowledging the gains recorded under democratic governance, Akume stressed the need to address lingering challenges threatening the credibility of the democratic process, particularly issues surrounding electoral integrity.

According to him, allegations of corruption within the electoral system continue to erode public confidence in elections.
"Democracy is not merely the act of voting; it is the guarantee that every vote counts equally," he said.

The SGF highlighted several achievements recorded under democratic rule, including economic growth, improved financial inclusion and major investments in infrastructure such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

He also cited reforms in the power sector as well as expanded access to education and healthcare through initiatives including the Universal Basic Education programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Akume, however, warned against allowing ethnic, religious and regional divisions to undermine the country's democratic foundations.

He urged Nigerians and public institutions to undertake a sincere assessment of the nation's democratic experience and evaluate how well they have met the aspirations of citizens.

Describing the lecture as an opportunity for national reflection, the SGF challenged Nigerians to envision the kind of democracy they want to build over the next 27 years.

"Nigeria is worth all our sacrifices and our democracy is worth defending," Akume said.

He added that the present and future generations have a responsibility to consolidate the gains of democracy and build a nation that reflects the vision of the country's founding fathers.

"The present and upcoming generations are standing on the shoulders of those who struggled for civil rule, and they have both the responsibility and the opportunity to build the nation our founding fathers envisioned and which our children deserve to inherit," he said.