Today – June 12 – is more than a public holiday — it is a call to reflect.
Democracy — from the Greek words ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratos’ (power) — meaning rule by the people. First documented in 5th century Athens, the system allowed free male citizens to participate directly in governance.
However, democracy hasn’t always existed. Though monarchies and authoritarian regimes achieved great feats, history reminds us that the human thirst for freedom, inclusion, and self-determination remained unquenched.
This desire has sparked revolutions, inspired and shaped the global ideals of liberty, representation, and the rule of law.
In Nigeria, democratic principles were not foreign to us. Long before colonization, many indigenous societies like the Igbo village assemblies, the Oyo Mesi council in Yoruba land, and the Emirate consultative systems in the North practiced inclusive governance structures, rooted in accountability and collective decision-making.
Later, our heroes — Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro, and many others — fought valiantly for independence and the right to self-govern so that we, the people, could speak, be heard, and live free.
But today, we must ask: Have we truly realized the promise of democracy?
Our electoral process is riddled with irregularities. Public trust has eroded. Nigerians are disillusioned and increasingly absent from the polls. The surge in Japa, negative legal technicalities, economic hardship, and weakening institutions all point to a democracy under strain.
Does democracy in Nigeria today reflect the will of the people?
We, as lawyers — custodians of justice and constitutionalism — must ask ourselves:
Are we defending democracy, or enabling its erosion through apathy, needless legal technicalities, and politicized advocacy?
Democracy is not perfect, but its greatest strength is its ability to self-correct. It creates space for us to confront hard truths and demand better.
So, on this Democracy Day, let us recommit:
To uphold the rule of law;
To defend human rights;
To insist on electoral integrity;
To be courageous enough to do our part in making this democracy truly work.
Democracy thrives only when we as Nigerians thrive.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Warm regards,
Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade
Partner, Sunesis DLP
Co-opted member,
NBA Lagos Exco
(2023 – 2025)
Liaison Officer,
In-House &
Government Counsel Forum.
