Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-minister, Kayode Fayemi, has said that although Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule in 1999, the country has yet to fully attain genuine democracy.
He spoke during a special Channels Television programme titled ‘Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation on Building a Better Nation’ in commemoration of Democracy Day.
Mr Fayemi stressed that electoral participation alone does not equate to democratic maturity.
He noted, “What we achieved in 1999 was restoration of our right to vote for leaders, but that’s not the same as real democracy. We have civilian governance—a form of semi-democracy—but we’re still working toward full democratic practice.”
Mr Fayemi urged Nigerians to continue building on the efforts of past and present leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, in deepening democratic values and institutions.
Reflecting on his own role in the pro-democracy movement, he recounted how he and other activists ran Radio Kudirat during the Abacha regime to counter military propaganda and promote democratic ideals.
Mr Fayemi admitted that while their activism was driven by conviction, they did not fully grasp the scale of danger they faced.
“We weren’t fearless—we were just committed to doing what we believed was right,” he recalled. “I personally transported Radio Kudirat’s transmitters on an Air France flight that diverted to Lagos during the height of the crisis. If I had been caught, that could have been the end of my story.”
He added that many of their colleagues were not as fortunate, with several losing their lives or facing serious threats during that period.
He emphasised that the sacrifices made by those who paid the ultimate price were not made out of recklessness, but out of deeply held beliefs.
“I don’t want to create the illusion that we were untouchable. Some of us simply survived because of luck. The bravery of those who didn’t make it should never be dismissed.”
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Mr Fayemi commended Mr Tinubu for honouring several democracy icons with national awards during the Democracy Day celebration.
However, he also appealed for wider recognition of unsung heroes, including those involved in the operation of Radio Kudirat.
