Northern Pulse: AAC urges reforms to deepen democracy

By Linda Ogbonna

The African Action Congress (AAC) has called for urgent political reforms to deepen democracy in Nigeria, saying the current democratic system benefits only a privileged few rather than the majority of citizens.

The Deputy National Secretary of the party, Mr Adekunle Ajayi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ajayi said democracy had yet to reflect the true will and interests of ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, democracy should be people-centred and not controlled by wealthy individuals or powerful interests.

“The democracy we have today is largely owned by the rich. We need a democracy that is driven by the people and their genuine representatives, not one controlled by a privileged few,” he said.

Ajayi also stressed the need to protect freedom of expression, saying citizens should be free to express their views without fear of intimidation or suppression.

He argued that democracy could only thrive where people were allowed to speak freely and participate actively in national affairs.

Ajayi said political democracy must go hand in hand with economic democracy, adding that Nigerians should also enjoy the nation’s resources through equitable distribution of wealth.

According to him, democracy loses its meaning when public wealth and economic opportunities are concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 general elections, Ajayi urged political parties to uphold clear ideologies and remain committed to their promises to the electorate.

He said parties should distinguish themselves through policies and programmes that address the needs of Nigerians rather than pursuing power without clear direction.

Ajayi also called on the government to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities by implementing policies and budgets that directly improve the welfare of citizens.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue strengthening public confidence in the electoral process through credible and transparent elections.

Ajayi also appealed to Nigerians not to remain silent in the face of poor governance.

According to him, active citizen participation and accountability are essential to safeguarding democratic institutions.

“If citizens keep quiet, democracy can easily slide into dictatorship,democracy becomes stronger when citizens demand accountability from those in government,” he said.

Ajayi urged Nigerians to defend their democratic rights and ensure that elected leaders remained accountable to the people.

He expressed hope that the country’s democracy would evolve into one where the dividends of governance are enjoyed by all citizens rather than a privileged minority.(NAN)