Abuja: A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, emphasized that democracy extends beyond periodic elections and must be anchored on the rule of law, strong institutions, and internal party democracy. Ganduje made this statement during the public presentation of the book ‘Nigeria’s Journey to Democratic Rule,’ authored by Mr. Onyekachi Eze-Odezulu, Abuja Bureau Chief of New Telegraph.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ganduje highlighted that democracy is more than just elections held every four years. “It is built on the rule of law, constitutional order, credible electoral institutions, and political parties that practice internal democracy,” he stated. He further noted that documenting Nigeria’s democratic evolution is a patriotic contribution that preserves the country’s political history for future generations.
Ganduje recalled his first electoral contest in 1979 when he resigned from his university lecturing job to run for the House of Representatives, despite his party’s lack of popularity. “I believed in the manifesto of my party and its nationalistic outlook. Although I lost the election, that experience became part of my democratic journey,” he reflected.
The former APC national chairman expressed concern over the absence of clear ideological distinctions among political parties, which he said has weakened Nigeria’s democratic culture and encouraged defections driven by personal interests. He commended the author for documenting key milestones in Nigeria’s democratic history, describing the book as a significant contribution to scholarship and national discourse.
Earlier in the event, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, represented by a former aide, underscored the importance of understanding Nigeria’s political history to appreciate the country’s democratic progress and prepare future generations for responsible leadership. “History remains humanity’s greatest teacher. This book reminds us of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that produced our present democratic dispensation,” he remarked.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, also praised the publication as a valuable reference for researchers and students. Represented by the Director of Publication in the ministry, Ibidapo Okunnu, he noted that the book was timely, providing factual documentation of Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance.
Prof. Rufai Alkali, the book reviewer, described the publication as offering a balanced account of Nigeria’s transition from military rule to constitutional democracy, documenting major political developments between 1986 and 1999, including the June 12 crisis, transition programs, and the eventual return to civilian rule.
In his goodwill message, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasized that democracy requires democratic institutions and leaders committed to constitutional governance. “The absence of military rule alone does not automatically translate into democracy. We must continue building institutions that uphold democratic values,” he said.
In his remarks, the author expressed that he wrote the book to preserve important events in Nigeria’s democratic history for younger generations. “If we do not document our history, future generations will not understand the sacrifices that produced today’s democracy,” he stated.
The event featured the unveiling of the book, goodwill messages from political leaders, and donations toward the publication.