A Nigerian lawyer and political activist, Dele Farotimi has called for political reforms, contending that democratic institutions in the country have failed to deliver genuine representation for citizens.
Farotimi, a prominent public commentator expressed strong reservations about the state of democracy in Nigeria, arguing that the country has yet to experience a truly democratic system.
He made the assertion remarks in an interview in which he reflected on Nigeria’s political development and electoral processes.
The political activist suggested that elections have largely become symbolic exercises that do not necessarily translate into meaningful governance or accountability.
“We’ve never had a democracy. We’ve only ever had a performative shadow of a democracy “Farotimi said.
He further described elections in Nigeria as a hollow ritual, arguing that the process has often fallen short of the ideals associated with democratic governance.
Farotimi’s comments come amid ongoing debates about electoral reforms and the effectiveness of democratic institutions in addressing national challenges.
Political observers, civil society groups, and legal experts have repeatedly called for measures aimed at strengthening electoral credibility, improving citizen participation, and ensuring that elected officials remain accountable to the electorate.
Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 after years of military administration and has since conducted several general elections.
While democratic institutions have remained in place for more than two decades, concerns over electoral transparency, voter confidence, political accountability, and governance have continued to feature prominently in public discourse.
