VOX POP: Nigerians Express Mixed Feelings Over State Of Democracy Under Tinubu

In Nigeria, June 12 has been recognised as a democracy day. It is a day set aside to celebrate democracy, democrats and democratic dividends expected from the government by the governed. Two years into the tenure of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we considered it necessary to sample opinions of Nigerians about democracy under his watch.  

Our _Executive editor, Anthony Ekpo Bassey_, interacted with some Nigerians and gathered their responses on the question: How has democracy fared under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

Speaking, Taiwo Usman from Bauchi State said: “Nigeria needs a decisive president. The president is an intentional leader. Let Nigerians be hopeful that Nigeria will be better regardless of the challenges besetting the country at this time.”

Also speaking, Hadessah Lawan, Kwara State said: “Nothing has changed under the present government. We are still waiting to see the democratic reforms that would favour poor Nigerians.”

On his part Daniel Obinna, from Imo State lamented that: “The Igbos have long been marginalised. We have been made to feel that we do not belong to this country. Can the president correct the imbalances in the sharing of offices and political positions across the country?”

 Worried about the high cost of living, Cynthia Onette, who spoke from Rivers State, said:

“I have not felt the word democracy since BAT regime. From my experience, everything has hugely moved from bad to worse. The hike in prices of commodities, the increase light tariff yet no light, the basic social amenities have become accessible to only the extremely rich and we no longer have middle class citizens. It is either your are RICH or POOR. Crime is on the increase because people want to at least, survive. House rent has skyrocketed because the landlords are totally depended on it. To mention but a few. In conclusion this regime hasn’t been fair to Nigerian citizens.”

Thomas Agba, Founder, Bigstack Technologies Ltd, Cross River State, said: “Democracy in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a study in complexity. On one hand, the institutions of democracy (elections, the judiciary, civil society) continue to exist and function.”

He went on: “On the other hand, the spirit of democracy (accountability, inclusion, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of the people) has faced severe tests. President Tinubu came into office on the promise of renewed hope, yet many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and a perceived widening gap between leadership and citizenry.”

According to him: “These conditions strain public trust in democracy. Subsidy removals, currency devaluation, and economic reforms have had devastating short-term consequences on households and small businesses, even if argued as necessary steps toward long-term restructuring.”

He further said that: “While there have been attempts to engage in governance reforms and restructure the economy, the political landscape remains heavily centralised, with limited room for grassroots participation. Dissent is too often met with silence or suppression, rather than robust democratic dialogue.”

Agba, advised that: “it is important to recognise that democracy is not a one-person project. The current state of our democracy reflects not just the decisions of one administration, but also the strength, or weakness of our democratic institutions, civil society, and citizen engagement. If democracy is to truly thrive in Nigeria, leadership must be people-centered, not merely policy-driven.”

He concluded that: “We must see a shift toward inclusive governance, transparent communication, and intentional investment in both human capital and democratic values. President Tinubu’s administration still has time to course-correct and build a legacy that strengthens our democratic journey.”

On her part, Alice Odama, from Cross River state, said: “As a Nigerian, it’s hard not to reflect on the state of our democracy with mixed feelings. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in 2023, many hoped for a shift, some kind of renewal that would bring meaningful change.”

Odama, opined that, “after all, democracy is not merely about holding elections; it is about leadership that listens, policies that reflect the people’s needs, and institutions that protect our rights.”

She added that: “So far, it feels like Nigeria’s democracy is surviving, but not thriving. The 2023 elections came with a lot of controversy, and while the transition was peaceful, many citizens still don’t fully trust the electoral process. That trust gap is dangerous for any democracy.”

She went on: “Then came the fuel subsidy removal. While some economists supported it, the impact on everyday Nigerians was severe and it didn’t feel like the people had a say. Democracy should involve us, not surprise us. That move made many feel unheard and unprepared. We have also seen worrying signs when it comes to protests and public expression.”

According to Odama, “a healthy democracy should welcome dissent and dialogue, but that space seems to be shrinking. That said, I do think it is important to acknowledge the efforts being made in some areas, like digital reforms and anti-corruption pledges. But these efforts often feel slow and overshadowed by the rising cost of living and insecurity.”

In her view, she observed that: “Under President Tinubu, Nigeria’s democracy is hanging in there, but barely. We still have our institutions, but we need leadership that genuinely listens and prioritises the people. For democracy to truly work, Nigerians should not merely be voters but active participants with voices that matter.”

For Abubakar Sa’idu, Adamawa state, “democracy has not thrived under the present administration owing to the executive masculating other arms of governments.” While Hauwa Gidado from Sokoto state said: “We are yet to practice true democracy in Nigeria. It is very obvious. I do not need to say much.”

 In his contribution, Patrick Upla from Cross River state, alleged that: “Tinubu’s election was characterised by controversies and allegations of electoral malpractices. How would you expect democracy to thrive under him?” He queried.