Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has said that Nigeria’s democratic system has not failed the country, insisting that the nation’s challenges stem from the decisions and actions of both leaders and citizens.
Governor Otti who stated this on Friday, in his 2026 Democracy Day address titled “Of Freedom and Development”, argued that the shortcomings of the Fourth Republic should not be blamed on democracy itself.
The Governor, noted that many Nigerian citizens have remained disillusioned by the gap between expectations and reality, urged them not to surrender to pessimism.
“Yes, a lot may have gone wrong but there is still so much to fight for — for ourselves and those coming after.
“Agreed that we could have done a lot better on several critical development frontlines, with particular respect to the welfare and security of the population, I, however, do not share the pessimism of those who insist that it has been all doom and gloom.
“it is not democracy that has failed, we have only been let down by the errors in our independent and collective decisions.
“The blame for the disappointments of the post-1999 years belongs entirely to us, as leaders and citizens, not to democracy or its foundational principles”, he said.
Governor Otti who emphasised the importance of peaceful civic engagement, insisted that the choices citizens make today will determine the future of their communities and the nation.
He therefore called on Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of freedom, accountability, justice and active citizenship.
The Governor noted that democratic institutions provide legitimate channels through which grievances can be expressed without resorting to violence.
The Governor while noting that preparations for the 2027 general elections are gradually beginning, urged citizens to become more involved in public affairs and defend the integrity of the electoral process through vigilance and informed participation.
He warned against vote-buying and other practices that undermine democratic accountability.
According to Governor Otti, citizens who sell their votes or allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence become “conspirators” in the erosion of democratic values.
“We strip ourselves of the right to accountable governance when we begin to accept bribes from politicians and political parties for votes”, Governor Otti further warned.
The governor further cautioned Nigerians against politicians who make unrealistic promises, stressing that sustainable development requires collective vigilance, accountability and a commitment to excellence.
He stressed that democracy should not be viewed as an end in itself but as a vehicle for building a society where individual rights are protected and development is inclusive.
Governor Otti paid tribute to the pro-democracy activists and patriots who resisted military rule in the years following the annulment of the presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
The governor also called for a united national response against terrorism, violent crime and extremism, warning that economic and political greed, sectarianism and intolerance remain threats to democratic progress.
“We have a definite responsibility to resist those who profit from misery; terrorists and merchants of public anxiety, by whatever name they go by, have no place in our land”, he said.
He described the conduct of regular elections since the beginning of the Fourth Republic as one of Nigeria’s democratic achievements, despite the imperfections that have characterised some electoral processes.
On developments in Abia State, Governor Otti said the state’s recent progress demonstrates the capacity of democracy to deliver meaningful change when citizens elect leaders committed to public service.
The Governor cited investments in infrastructure, human capital development, security and social welfare as evidence that democracy and development can work hand in hand.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and assured residents that the gains recorded under his leadership would be sustained.
“Our progress is irreversible, we are never returning to the old order of mediocrity for the light has shone in our path”, Governor Otti stated.
