Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, says Nigeria is still far from being a full democracy, 26 years after returning to civilian rule in 1999.
Speaking during a special Democracy Day programme on Channels Television, Fayemi said while regular elections have become part of the political process, Nigeria lacks the deeper values and institutions that define true democracy.
“What we got in 1999 was the right to elect leaders, but that is only one element. What we have is civilian rule, not full democracy. At best, it is semi-democracy,” Fayemi said.
He warned against equating the mere conduct of elections with actual democratic practice, stressing that genuine democracy must include rule of law, strong institutions, and respect for citizens’ rights.
Fayemi, who was a key figure in the pro-democracy struggle against military rule, also shared personal experiences during the era of General Sani Abacha. He recalled operating the underground Radio Kudirat, used by activists to challenge the military regime.
“I once carried the transmitter of Radio Kudirat on an Air France flight to Lagos. That could have cost me my life,” he revealed.
He said many of his colleagues who died during the struggle were not careless but were committed to Nigeria’s freedom.
On President Bola Tinubu’s decision to honour several pro-democracy heroes, Fayemi praised the move but urged that those who worked behind the scenes should also be remembered.
“Yes, I was the face of Radio Kudirat, but I didn’t do it alone. There are many unsung heroes who risked their lives. They also deserve recognition,” he said.
His comments have sparked renewed debate about how much progress Nigeria has made since the end of military rule, and how far it still needs to go to become a fully democratic state.
