By NICHOLAS DECHI

Some political analysts have said that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat because of the growing insecurity across the country.

The analysts who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Makurdi as the country celebrates another Democracy Day, said security of life and property should be the number one priority of the government.

According to Mr Rayford Odeh, Nigeria’s democracy has endured, but its credibility depends on turning constitutional rights into real improvements in security, jobs, and public services for all.

Odeh said that the country’s leaders were not doing enough to protect its citizens and urged citizens to track campaign promises and use tools like Freedom of Information requests to hold officials accountable.

Dr Akor Gbenda, a political scientist, described June 12 as Nigeria’s “democratic conscience”.

Gbenda said that the date reminded leaders that legitimacy came from the people, not from force or manipulation.

“We survived the annulment, we survived military rule, and we have kept this democracy for 27 years.

“But survival alone is not success. Citizens must now demand performance from every tier of government,” he said.

He urged civil society and students to use Democracy Day to review government policies on education, healthcare, and job creation.

On his part, Mr Joseph Kase said that Nigeria’s democracy had deepened structurally but was still struggling with service delivery at the local level.

Kase advised leaders to ensure that democracy translated to clean water, reliable electricity, and fair wages.

He called for stronger local government administration and better funding for primary healthcare and basic education.

According to him, citizens feel democracy most in their communities, not in federal capitals.

Mr James Shoja, also a political analyst, urged governments at all levels to focus on youth engagement to reduce criminality.

Shoja added that low voter turnout during elections among young people threatened the future of democracy.

“If young Nigerians do not vote, do not join parties, and do not run for council seats, others will decide for them,” he said.

He advised students to register, collect PVCs, and attend local government budget hearings.

(NAN)

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