Military Rule is Outdated, Democracy Has Come to Stay – Gen. Abdulsalami
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), has dismissed the possibility of military rule returning to Nigeria, declaring that democracy is here to stay.
Speaking at the launch of a book titled “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923–2023”, organized by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Gen. Abdulsalami emphasized that civil rule remains the only viable governance system for Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Resilience in Democracy
Represented by Gen. Abdulrasheed Aliyu, the former military ruler stated that in the past 25 years, democracy has survived various threats, proving Nigerians’ commitment to representative governance.
“There is no alternative to civil rule. Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria,” he said.
Gen. Abdulsalami, who handed over power to civilian rule in 1999, expressed pride in laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s democratic governance.
“This year will mark 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since Independence in 1960,” he added.
Call for Stronger Political Parties and Internal Democracy
House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, stressed the importance of strong political parties in ensuring good governance and a vibrant democracy.
He warned against the hijacking of political parties by moneybags, calling for a return to party ideology and member-driven leadership.
“Our parties today, to even give you a membership card, is like trying to get a loan from a Nigerian bank,” he lamented.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also urged political parties to promote internal democracy to eliminate imposition and godfatherism.
National Dialogue Needed for Stability – Anyim
Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim criticized Nigeria’s failure to resolve its lingering political instability. He argued that national dialogue is essential to addressing the country’s challenges.
“Mutual suspicions, distrust, and antagonisms have slowed Nigeria’s growth into the stable nation and global power it has the potential to be,” he said.
The event underscored the need for political reforms, internal democracy, and national dialogue to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic journey.
