By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
political scientist, Dr. Kabir Yandaki, has warned that rising poverty, weakening democratic institutions and growing social divisions pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democratic future.
Yandaki, Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
He acknowledged that Nigeria had made significant democratic progress since returning to civilian rule in 1999, noting that the country had successfully sustained democratic governance for more than two decades.
According to him, the ability to conduct successive elections and transfer power through democratic processes reflects an important milestone in the country’s democratic journey.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the growing dominance of the executive arm of government over the legislature and judiciary, warning that such a trend weakens the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy.
“Strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring strict adherence to the principle of separation of powers are critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
On the economy, Yandaki said Nigeria enjoyed relative stability in the early years of democratic rule, particularly between 1999 and 2010, when many challenges inherited from military administrations appeared to be easing.
He noted that economic difficulties became more pronounced during subsequent administrations, driven by insecurity, declining living standards and policies that negatively affected economic activities.
The political analyst added that the removal of fuel subsidy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration had further intensified hardship, leaving many Nigerians struggling to meet basic needs.
According to him, widespread poverty remains one of the greatest threats to democratic consolidation.
“Democratic consolidation requires strong institutions, economic inclusion and social cohesion. Without addressing poverty, insecurity and institutional weakness, Nigeria’s democratic gains could be at risk,” Yandaki said.
He also raised concerns over increasing ethno-religious divisions and declining public trust in institutions, warning that social cohesion was gradually eroding across the country.
Yandaki urged the government to review policies that have contributed to economic hardship, including fuel subsidy removal, high interest rates, multiple taxation and import and export levies.
He further advocated stronger security measures to enable farmers and rural communities to engage in productive activities without fear, thereby improving food security and reducing poverty.
Similarly, another political analyst, Ibrahim Kabir, said Nigeria had recorded notable democratic achievements but continued to grapple with corruption, insecurity and electoral malpractice.
Kabir described June 12 as a significant date in Nigeria’s history, commemorating the sacrifices of individuals who fought for democratic governance and constitutional rule.
He commended the growing participation of youths and women in politics and civic engagement, while calling for greater inclusion of both groups in governance.
Despite the gains, he said challenges such as vote-buying, voter intimidation and alleged electoral irregularities continued to undermine democratic development.
Kabir added that corruption had weakened public confidence in government institutions, while insecurity continued to affect governance and electoral processes in several parts of the country.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Nigerian Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Katsina State chapter, Fatima Sanda, called for increased representation of women in politics and decision-making positions.
She stressed that democracy should deliver tangible benefits to citizens through improved education, healthcare, security, employment opportunities and social welfare programmes.
Sanda expressed concern over the low number of women occupying elective and appointive positions despite their contributions to national development.
According to her, women aspiring to political office often face challenges such as inadequate funding, cultural barriers, political intimidation and limited access to party structures where key decisions are made.
She maintained that greater inclusion of women in governance was essential for sustainable development and the deepening of democratic values in the country.
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