Stakeholders across Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States have called for comprehensive institutional and electoral reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
The call was made during separate interviews with journalists in Maiduguri on Thursday as part of assessments of Nigeria’s democratic progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
The Deputy Rector (Administration) of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Dr Lawan Cheri, stressed the need to reinforce key democratic institutions so they can operate independently and effectively.
He noted that agencies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security organisations and anti-corruption bodies must remain stronger than individuals in public office.
“In a democratic system, institutions must not be weakened by personalities. When institutions are strong, democracy becomes more stable and credible,” he said.
Cheri identified corruption, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and weak internal democracy within political parties as major obstacles to democratic consolidation.
He recommended deliberate government interventions to reduce poverty, create jobs, strengthen civic education and narrow socio-economic inequality.
He also called for expanded voter education programmes to improve citizen participation and deepen democratic awareness.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Damaturu Branch, Mr Ahmed Khalil, advocated sweeping electoral and governance reforms, alongside stronger protection of human rights.
He emphasised that adherence to the rule of law and access to justice are essential for democratic development.
Khalil expressed concern over electoral malpractice, abuse of office, disregard for court rulings and declining trust in public institutions.
He urged reforms that would guarantee institutional independence, effective anti-corruption measures and stronger protection of fundamental rights.
According to him, democracy should be assessed not only by elections but also by justice delivery, accountability and citizens’ welfare.
A political analyst in Adamawa State, Mr Musa Shalangwa, described Nigeria’s democratic journey as a gradual but steady process since 1999, despite persistent challenges.
He said the sustenance of civilian rule and regular elections remain key achievements in the country’s political development.
However, Shalangwa warned that electoral malpractice, political violence, external interference in party processes and voter apathy continue to threaten democratic stability.
He called for internal party reforms that would guarantee independence from undue influence by political and financial elites.
He also advocated reduced nomination fees to allow broader participation and ensure that credible candidates emerge through transparent processes.
Shalangwa further stressed the need for stronger political parties that operate in line with democratic principles and constitutional provisions.
A legal practitioner at the Adamawa State High Court, Mr Ahmed Isah, said constitutional and electoral reforms were necessary to address emerging governance challenges.
He noted that the judiciary plays a crucial role in resolving electoral disputes and safeguarding democratic order.
Isah emphasised the importance of strengthening judicial independence, ensuring timely adjudication of cases and enforcing court decisions without interference.
He added that a robust rule of law framework is essential for deepening democratic governance.
A former member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Mr Wafarinyi Theman, said democracy has enhanced citizen participation and accountability in governance.
However, he expressed concern over the growing influence of money in politics, which he said undermines electoral integrity and leadership quality.
He called for stricter enforcement of campaign finance regulations and improved transparency within political parties.
A Professor of Political Science at the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ibrahim Usman, described Nigeria’s democracy as a system still evolving amid political and security challenges.
He noted that progress has been recorded in political transitions, civic participation, media freedom and public awareness since the end of military rule.
However, he said institutional weaknesses, electoral disputes and economic hardship continue to slow democratic consolidation.
According to him, democracy must deliver tangible improvements in security, employment, education and healthcare to maintain public trust.
A senior lawyer, Barr. Mohammed Kolo, also called for stronger adherence to constitutional provisions and judicial independence.
He stressed the need for faster justice delivery and consistent enforcement of court rulings to strengthen democratic institutions.
Kolo further urged constitutional reforms to remove ambiguities that often trigger political disagreements.
In the same vein, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alhaji Musa Goni, said the current administration has demonstrated commitment to democratic governance through ongoing economic reforms.
He cited policy measures such as subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms as steps aimed at long-term economic stability.
Conversely, an opposition figure, Alhaji Babagana Modu, argued that democratic success should be measured by the welfare and living conditions of citizens.
He noted that rising inflation, unemployment and economic hardship highlight the need for policies that better protect vulnerable groups.
The stakeholders collectively agreed that while Nigeria’s democracy has made progress since 1999, sustained reforms are necessary to ensure stronger institutions, improved governance and better living standards for citizens.