By Correspondent in Ilorin.
As Nigerians observed Democracy Day on Wednesday, Chief Stephen Wole-Oke, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop a political party system rooted in clear ideological doctrines.
In an interview with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, Chief Wole-Oke, a leader in the Kwara State House of Assembly during the Second Republic, expressed concern that Nigerian political parties lack specific ideologies necessary to strengthen democracy.
He explained that the absence of clear ideologies has led to a political culture where godfatherism significantly influences candidate selection in primary elections and voting decisions in general elections. Chief Wole-Oke described godfatherism as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
“It should be troubling that democracy, as a political system, has suffered serious setbacks over the years,” he said. “Why is this so? One may wish to ask. Nigeria became an independent country in 1960, sixty-four years ago. Since then, we have been operating the only available system suitable for us: Democracy.”
He pointed out that the high levels of illiteracy and rural lifestyles in many states have contributed to the dominance of godfathers in national politics. “The majority of Nigerian voters, being rural dwellers, are illiterate. They know nothing about what democracy means and its values. They are often bought to vote for an individual, whether at party primaries or general elections, without understanding the ideological basis of their vote,” he said.
In such circumstances, Chief Wole-Oke questioned whether the resulting government could truly be “the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He also identified military interventions as another major setback to the development of democracy in Nigeria. “For about sixty-four years of independence, the military has interrupted civilian administration several times, ruling the nation for a total of about 30 years. This has caused significant damage to the growth of democracy as an institutional system of governance,” he noted.
Chief Wole-Oke commended the founders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) for their efforts during military rule, which effectively checked and ended military takeovers, ensuring the restoration of democratic rule. “It was a great sacrifice and a risk to the lives and personal comfort of NADECO members, who had to flee the country for their safety,” he added.
He advised the political class to de-emphasize money politics, noting that as long as it thrives due to the poor economic conditions of voters, real constitutional democracy cannot grow in Nigeria. “As we celebrate Democracy Day, we can only continue to pray that Nigeria will soon enjoy a true democratic system that benefits the greatest number of Nigerians.”
Chief Wole-Oke concluded that Nigeria is still in search of true democracy. “Ours is still a work-in-progress. Not yet, Uhuru. Achieving true democracy is not a short-term endeavor. The USA’s democracy has spanned over 200 years and is still not perfect. By the time Nigeria reaches the level of democratic practice seen in the USA today, we shall be known as the Democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
“In spite of the challenges that have hindered the development and growth of democracy in our country, we have reason to celebrate. For this, we thank God and say, HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY.”
Edited by Dawud Ahmed.
