As Nigeria commemorates another Democracy Day on June 12, human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has delivered a scathing critique of the Bola Tinubu administration, describing Nigeria’s democracy as a system that continues to serve the interests of the powerful rather than the ordinary Nigerians.
In a press statement released to mark the June 12 celebration, Adeyanju said the country’s democratic journey remained deeply flawed and largely symbolic for the average Nigerian, as poverty deepens and governance fails to meet public expectations.
“As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, we are reminded once again that democracy in this country serves the powerful, not the people,” he said.
He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the most “consequential and regrettable” decisions of the current administration, “Perhaps the most consequential and regrettable decision of the current administration has been the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy.”
He added that while subsidy removal was sold to the public as a bold economic policy aimed at redirecting national resources, its implementation has only deepened inequality, accelerated inflation, and intensified poverty.
“What was promised as a path to national rebirth has instead become a gateway to unchecked looting at the subnational level,” he said.
He also criticised state governments for failing to utilise the increased allocations resulting from the policy to improve citizens’ lives. “There is little, if any, evidence to suggest that the increased funds have translated into better lives for citizens. No new roads, no improved schools, no functional hospitals,” Adeyanju lamented. Instead, he said, Nigerians were witnessing “expanding convoys, lavish spending, and political realignments as governors defect to the ruling party to secure continued access to power and privilege.”
Adeyanju also expressed disappointment over the stalled efforts to achieve full local government autonomy, a cause championed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Despite the financial benefits states now enjoy, he noted that governors continued to divert local government funds with impunity, thereby crippling the tier of government closest to the people.
“Our democracy, instead of empowering citizens, has become a tool for entrenching elite control,” he declared.
As Nigerians reflect on 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, Adeyanju posed a critical question, “Who truly benefits from this democracy?” He urged citizens and leaders alike to reimagine a system rooted in service, transparency, and accountability.
“Until leadership is redefined by service, transparency, and genuine commitment to national development, Nigeria’s democracy will remain a celebration for the few, while the majority continue to suffer in silence,” the lawyer added.
