As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the Convener of the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION), Comrade Hauwa Mustapha, says growing political awareness among citizens offers hope for the country's democratic future despite what she described as serious shortcomings in governance.
Speaking with Wazobia FM ahead of Democracy Day, Mustapha said more Nigerians are beginning to understand their role in shaping governance and demanding accountability from leaders.
"The people are increasingly becoming more aware. They are beginning to understand that real power in democracy does not lie with the government; it lies with them," she said.
According to her, rising public agitation over elections, governance, and economic hardship shows that citizens are becoming more conscious of their rights and their place in the democratic process.
She, however, argued that Nigeria is yet to practice true democracy, describing the current system as a "pretentious democracy" in which citizens have limited influence over public policies and decision-making.
"If democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people, then currently we don't have democracy," she said.
Mustapha further accused the political class of concentrating power and resources in the hands of a few, describing the country's governance system as a form of civilian dictatorship.
"The government is deliberately holding resources to itself and not for the people. It is an exclusive government. That is not democracy," she stated.
The activist also expressed concern over the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, saying the country currently lacks a principled and consistent opposition capable of presenting credible alternatives to those in power.
"We don't have what you really call opposition," she said. "Opposition is principled, dedicated, and constant in holding on to certain values."
She noted that many politicians who claim to be in opposition often defect to the ruling establishment, raising questions about their commitment to the ideals they profess.
"Where you have people who claim to be in the opposition today and jump ship the next day to the mainstream, you cannot have been in the opposition," she added.
Mustapha recalled that opposition movements were more vibrant in the early years of the Fourth Republic, driven by student groups, labour unions, women's organisations and pro-democracy activists who had resisted military rule.
While acknowledging the challenges facing civic engagement, including widespread poverty and hopelessness, she said the growing political consciousness among Nigerians remains a positive sign that could eventually drive meaningful democratic reforms.
According to her, the challenge for advocacy groups and social movements is to transform public frustration and anger into organised action capable of bringing about social and political change.
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