According to an official signed statement by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume (CON), has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s democracy remains worth defending despite persistent challenges confronting the nation’s electoral and governance systems.
Senator Akume made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja at a public lecture held at the State House Conference Centre to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, where he called on Nigerians to take active responsibility in strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding civil rule.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the SGF described the past 27 years of uninterrupted civilian governance as a period defined by resilience, determination, and notable progress. He noted that Nigeria has successfully conducted eight consecutive general elections and recorded peaceful transfers of power across political parties and regions, including what he described as a historic transition from a ruling party to the opposition.
While acknowledging these democratic gains, Senator Akume warned that significant challenges continue to threaten the credibility of the system, particularly concerns around electoral integrity. He stressed that allegations of corruption within the electoral process continue to weaken public trust, insisting that democracy must go beyond the act of voting.
“Democracy is not merely the act of voting; it is the guarantee that every vote counts equally,” he said.
The SGF highlighted key achievements recorded under democratic governance, including economic expansion, improved financial inclusion, and large-scale investments in critical infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. He also referenced reforms in the power sector and expanded access to education and healthcare through initiatives such as the Universal Basic Education programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Senator Akume cautioned against allowing ethnic, religious, and regional divisions to undermine the country’s democratic foundations, urging Nigerians to undertake a sincere appraisal of the nation’s democratic experience and the extent to which institutions have met citizens’ aspirations.
Describing the theme of the lecture, “27 Years of Democratic Governance: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead,” as a timely opportunity for national reflection, he challenged Nigerians to envision and actively work towards the kind of democracy they desire in the next 27 years.
“Nigeria is worth all our sacrifices and our democracy is worth defending,” Akume stated.
He added that both current and future generations bear the responsibility of building on the sacrifices of those who fought for civil rule, stressing the need to consolidate democratic gains and ensure a better future for coming generations.
