Mr Edward Auta, Senior Special Assistant on Industrial Training and Development to Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna, has described Nigeria’s democratic as one marked by notable achievements and persistent challenges.
Auta made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna.
Auta said the country’s ability to sustain civilian rule and achieve multiple democratic transitions over the past 27 years demonstrated the resilience of its democratic institutions.
According to him, concerns remain over electoral integrity, voter education and the conduct of political actors during election cycles.
He said: “While democracy has endured, there is little evidence that the political class is maturing at the same pace as the democratic process.
“Party congresses, primaries and general elections are often characterized by disputes that end up in prolonged litigation, sometimes reaching the highest courts in the land”.
Auta noted that electoral reforms introduced over the years had contributed to improving the credibility of elections.
He recalled that the introduction of card readers during the 2015 general elections, despite lacking explicit legal backing at the time, enhanced transparency and contributed to outcomes widely regarded as credible.
The Aide added that subsequent amendments to electoral laws provided legal support for the use of technology in elections, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
According to him, although the innovations represented significant progress, they did not completely eliminate concerns about electoral malpractice and post-election disputes.
He said court rulings on the legal status of electronic result transmission exposed gaps in the electoral framework and fuelled demands for stronger legal provisions.
“The response by the National Assembly to provide a clearer legal framework for electronic accreditation and transmission of election results is a welcome development.
“It offers hope that future elections, particularly in 2027, will be more credible and reflective of the people’s will,” he said.
Auta described democracy as Nigeria’s most viable path to sustainable development, noting that many communities had benefited from improved infrastructure and public services since the return to civilian rule.
He cited the expansion of road networks, schools, healthcare facilities, electricity and water projects in rural communities across Kaduna State as examples of democratic dividends.
The aide commended Gov. Uba Sani’s administration for building on previous gains and pursuing policies aimed at fostering inclusion, unity and economic growth in the state.
“As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, there is every reason to appreciate the progress made while remaining committed to strengthening democratic institutions and governance processes,” he said. (NAN)
