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12 Jun 2025
Democracy in Decline: Reflecting on Two Years of Present Government
Today, June 12, is slated as Democracy day. Most unfortunately, in our present state, our dear country Nigeria cannot be justifiably classified as a democratic country. The vital indicators of democracy are noticeably absent. Some do not even exist.
Democracy is said to be ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ yet none of these three measures exist in our democracy today. Rules, regulations and requirements to participate in elections or be elected for are not followed, consequently, individuals who are to be disqualified ab-initio are now holding public offices.
As we mark June 12, a day symbolizing the struggle for true democracy in Nigeria, it is deeply troubling that under this present administration in a short span of two years, our nation has witnessed broad erosion of democratic principles. There has been a corresponding decline in security and the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. We have traversed from rigged elections to collapsing social services; from soaring poverty to rising corruption; and from a seemingly stable economy to a parlous economy.
It is most troubling that in its two years in office, the present government has brought the nation to the point where our leaders now celebrate and endorse failure, lies, and propaganda. The government today, rather than show genuine accountability and measurable progress, focuses on manipulating narratives, gaslighting the public, shifting blame and weaponizing governance. Meanwhile, Nigerians live in a worsening and worrisome insecurity, widespread corruption, hunger, and general despondence. There are no clear benchmarks for measuring tangible development, as we continue to witness the collapse of key indicators - like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation- which are parameters for measuring national progress.
Simple comparisons of what has happened in the past two years, now relies on propaganda and misinformation to mask the mis governance.
Our country today can best be described as a nation declining fast in all its facets. The security of lives and property has worsened, and the rule of law is virtually non-existent. These are the hard-verifiable facts:
1. On May 29th, 2023, when this government was sworn into office, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $364 billion. As of today, it has declined to $188 billion, a decline of almost fifty percent (50%).
2. Nigeria’s GDP per capita was $1,640 as of May 2023, but today it has dropped drastically to about $835, a devastating decline of about 50%.
3. Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty increased from 38.9% to 54% within this period, with about 129 million Nigerians now living below the poverty line. The World Bank reported recently, that 75% of Nigerians in the rural area now live in poverty as at 2025, and even more than previously recorded in the urban areas.
4. Our education sector has deteriorated significantly. Today, more than 18.3 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest number in the world. The quality of education in Nigeria is also fast deteriorating. Many of our children are being taught sciences without any science lab and computer studies without any computers. Students are now writing WAEC and other national exams in darkness relying on candles. There are now even glitches in their exams.
5. Health services have worsened drastically. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency decried that less than 20% of over 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centers across the nation are fully functional.
I have even recently visited some Health Centers where delivery rooms were without toilets. The United Nation recently reported Nigeria as the world's worst country to give birth, with one death recorded every seven minutes.
Read translationDemocracy in Decline: Reflecting on Two Years of Present Government
Today, June 12, is slated as Democracy day. Most unfortunately, in our present state, our dear country Nigeria cannot be justifiably classified as a democratic country. The vital indicators of democracy are noticeably absent. Some do not even exist.
Democracy is said to be ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ yet none of these three measures exist in our democracy today. Rules, regulations and requirements to participate in elections or be elected for are not followed, consequently, individuals who are to be disqualified ab-initio are now holding public offices.
As we mark June 12, a day symbolizing the struggle for true democracy in Nigeria, it is deeply troubling that under this present administration in a short span of two years, our nation has witnessed broad erosion of democratic principles. There has been a corresponding decline in security and the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. We have traversed from rigged elections to collapsing social services; from soaring poverty to rising corruption; and from a seemingly stable economy to a parlous economy.
It is most troubling that in its two years in office, the present government has brought the nation to the point where our leaders now celebrate and endorse failure, lies, and propaganda. The government today, rather than show genuine accountability and measurable progress, focuses on manipulating narratives, gaslighting the public, shifting blame and weaponizing governance. Meanwhile, Nigerians live in a worsening and worrisome insecurity, widespread corruption, hunger, and general despondence. There are no clear benchmarks for measuring tangible development, as we continue to witness the collapse of key indicators - like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation- which are parameters for measuring national progress.
Simple comparisons of what has happened in the past two years, now relies on propaganda and misinformation to mask the mis governance.
Our country today can best be described as a nation declining fast in all its facets. The security of lives and property has worsened, and the rule of law is virtually non-existent. These are the hard-verifiable facts:
1. On May 29th, 2023, when this government was sworn into office, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $364 billion. As of today, it has declined to $188 billion, a decline of almost fifty percent (50%).
2. Nigeria’s GDP per capita was $1,640 as of May 2023, but today it has dropped drastically to about $835, a devastating decline of about 50%.
3. Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty increased from 38.9% to 54% within this period, with about 129 million Nigerians now living below the poverty line. The World Bank reported recently, that 75% of Nigerians in the rural area now live in poverty as at 2025, and even more than previously recorded in the urban areas.
4. Our education sector has deteriorated significantly. Today, more than 18.3 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest number in the world. The quality of education in Nigeria is also fast deteriorating. Many of our children are being taught sciences without any science lab and computer studies without any computers. Students are now writing WAEC and other national exams in darkness relying on candles. There are now even glitches in their exams.
5. Health services have worsened drastically. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency decried that less than 20% of over 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centers across the nation are fully functional.
I have even recently visited some Health Centers where delivery rooms were without toilets. The United Nation recently reported Nigeria as the world's worst country to give birth, with one death recorded every seven minutes.
Reclaiming Our Nation’s Dignity: A Call to Conscience
Today in Abuja, I addressed the Nigerian Guild of Editors on the theme “Reclaiming Our Nation’s Dignity.” I thanked them for their vital role as shapers of national conscience and reminded them that Nigeria stands at a moral and developmental crossroads. The responsibility before us is immense—to speak truth, guide reflection, and inspire hope for a better nation.
I told them that Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. Recently, President Trump called our country a “now disgraced country,” citing the killings. He only echoed what many Nigerians of conscience have long observed. The debate, therefore, should not be about genocide, but about whether killings are happening at all—from terrorists, kidnappers, and other violent groups—and why they persist with impunity and what should be done to stop it.
I reminded them that our disgrace as a nation does not come from what others say, but from what we have allowed—killings, impunity, corruption, hunger, and the neglect of our people. Today, over 130 million Nigerians live in poverty, and more than 20 million children are out of school. These are the real issues that should trouble our collective conscience.
I told them that true redemption will not come from excuses but from truth, sacrifice, and leadership by example. Nigeria can rise again if we rebuild our moral foundation, invest in education and health, and make public service about the people, not privilege. It is through these values that national dignity can be restored.
I reminded them that editors are not just recorders of history—they are the conscience of the nation. Their work in shaping truth, correcting distortions, and holding leaders accountable is essential to rebuilding trust and dignity in our society.
Finally, I told them that if we govern with transparency, accountability, and compassion, Nigeria will no longer be called a disgraced nation but one of dignity—a people who, though they stumble, always strive to stand upright. Together, we can and must reclaim our nation’s honour.
A New Nigeria is POssible - PO
Read translationReclaiming Our Nation’s Dignity: A Call to Conscience
Today in Abuja, I addressed the Nigerian Guild of Editors on the theme “Reclaiming Our Nation’s Dignity.” I thanked them for their vital role as shapers of national conscience and reminded them that Nigeria stands at a moral and developmental crossroads. The responsibility before us is immense—to speak truth, guide reflection, and inspire hope for a better nation.
I told them that Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. Recently, President Trump called our country a “now disgraced country,” citing the killings. He only echoed what many Nigerians of conscience have long observed. The debate, therefore, should not be about genocide, but about whether killings are happening at all—from terrorists, kidnappers, and other violent groups—and why they persist with impunity and what should be done to stop it.
I reminded them that our disgrace as a nation does not come from what others say, but from what we have allowed—killings, impunity, corruption, hunger, and the neglect of our people. Today, over 130 million Nigerians live in poverty, and more than 20 million children are out of school. These are the real issues that should trouble our collective conscience.
I told them that true redemption will not come from excuses but from truth, sacrifice, and leadership by example. Nigeria can rise again if we rebuild our moral foundation, invest in education and health, and make public service about the people, not privilege. It is through these values that national dignity can be restored.
I reminded them that editors are not just recorders of history—they are the conscience of the nation. Their work in shaping truth, correcting distortions, and holding leaders accountable is essential to rebuilding trust and dignity in our society.
Finally, I told them that if we govern with transparency, accountability, and compassion, Nigeria will no longer be called a disgraced nation but one of dignity—a people who, though they stumble, always strive to stand upright. Together, we can and must reclaim our nation’s honour.
A New Nigeria is POssible - PO
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