Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emphasized the critical role of respecting the will of the people as the cornerstone of democracy. Delivering the keynote address at Nigeria’s National Conference on Strengthening Democracy on Monday, January 27, Dr. Bawumia expressed concern about the “increasing fragility” of democratic systems in parts of Africa.
He pointed to eight coups in Africa between 2020 and 2023 and constitutional amendments by some leaders to extend their terms as alarming trends. “In democratic countries, the will of the people is expressed through elections, and leaders, especially incumbents, must trust the electoral process and accept the will of the people for the survival of democracy,” he remarked.
Dr. Bawumia underscored the importance of strong institutions, including election management bodies, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, as key to fostering democracy. “One of the most important determinants of a flourishing democracy is the quality of institutions; institutions capable of guaranteeing rights, including property rights, and checking wanton abuse of power,” he stated.
He called on citizens to hold leaders accountable responsibly, avoiding misinformation, fake news, and divisive narratives. Strengthening democracy, he noted, requires sustained collective efforts across multiple sectors and institutions.
Dr. Bawumia’s endorsement of Democracy
Concluding his speech, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his belief in democracy as the best form of governance, despite its imperfections. Quoting Winston Churchill, he said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”
