Vice-President Kashim Shettima, while addressing the national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, emphasized the current administration’s dedication to addressing key challenges in the nation.
He assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would continue to uphold democratic values, including addressing economic weaknesses, securing communities, tackling corruption, and reinforcing the independence of the judiciary.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” was organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, and was aimed at discussing how to improve the democratic process in Nigeria.
Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Issues, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, acknowledged the imperfections of democracy but reiterated its superiority over other forms of government.
He stated, “We are acutely aware of many concerns over our direction and goals, particularly given the difficulties some of our policies inevitably generate. We are focused on correcting defects in our economy and approaches to securing the citizens.”
He also pointed out that the transition from a challenging past to a hopeful future would come at a price, but the government is committed to ensuring that the nation continues on a path of progress.
Shettima emphasised the importance of listening to the people, adjusting where necessary, and remaining transparent in governance. “Nigeria shall rise again,” he said, “and our young will be active champions of a democratic system.”
The Vice President further highlighted the administration’s responsibility to improve democratic institutions and governance structures.
He underscored the need for leaders to prioritize transparency, the rule of law, and the welfare and security of citizens, while ensuring that democracy goes beyond just elections.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana, spoke at the event, stressing that despite democracy’s flaws, it remains the best system of governance for protecting individual rights and liberties.
He also noted that elections should never be viewed as “do or die” affairs, and emphasised the importance of institutions capable of safeguarding rights and holding power to account.
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, also highlighted the purpose of the conference, which was to reignite hope in the democratic process and lay out a roadmap toward a more resilient and inclusive democracy.
He acknowledged the flaws in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including electoral malpractices and weakened governance structures, but emphasized the need for integrity and accountability to rebuild public trust.
Overall, the conference served as a platform to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic progress and chart a way forward to strengthen the nation’s democratic practices, ensuring that they serve all citizens effectively.
