Nigeria’s Problem Not Democracy But Performance, Says Ex-Minister Nweke Jr

A former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr., has stated that the nation’s democratic system was facing a crisis of trust, not a rejection of democracy.

Speaking on Arise News’ Day Break on Wednesday, Nweke Jr. argued that while Nigerians still believe in democracy as an idea, their dissatisfaction arose from poor governance and the failure of public institutions to improve their lives.

According to the former minister, available data showed that Nigerians’ frustrations were tied to insecurity, lack of accountability, and weakening institutions.

He noted that public confidence in key institutions, particularly the judiciary, has significantly eroded.

“The problem Nigerians have is not with democracy as an ideology,” he said. “The concern is with its performance and how it has impacted their lives.”

Nweke Jr. stressed that rebuilding trust requires deliberate, sustained reforms, stressing that credible elections, an independent judiciary, and leadership that demonstrates accountability were essential to strengthening democratic foundations.

He also emphasised the urgent need to tackle insecurity decisively and improve citizens’ overall quality of life.

“These are the things that must be done on an ongoing basis to restore trust in democracy,” he added.

Nweke Jr’s comments come amid growing public disillusionment with governance, as Nigerians continue to contend with socioeconomic challenges and rising security threats.