Thirty-two years ago, a free and fair election in Nigeria won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola was annulled by the military junta. The conduct, outcome, and consequences of the election have since then left an indelible mark on the annals of Nigeria’s history. A cross section of Nigerians were asked online and offline by Saturday Tribune to give their opinion on the real beneficiaries of the June 12 strugle and the democracy from 1999. KINGSLEY ALUMONA brings excerpts. Their views:
Williams Takanda
Unfortunately, democracy is benefiting a few elites in Nigeria. Now that we cannot remove bad leaders through the ballot, and they do not resign, now that the military and police supervise violence and thuggery during elections, now that the judiciary endorses election criminalities, what is next?
OluwaFemi Olagunju
The biggest benefit Nigerians have benefited from democracy is the ability to protest freely and criticise leaders without repercussions. These rights ─ which are enshrined in the constitution via freedom of association and expression ─ are, however, now being eroded by those in power. Our democracy is sliding fast into dictatorship, as it is increasingly becoming a crime to protest against and criticise the actions of those in power. The only other benefit remaining now is periodic elections, but what benefits do periodic elections offer when the integrity of the elections is being eroded?
Nwa Nwa
Ironically, those who are leaders today are the real beneficiaries of democracy in Nigeria. Many of them attended free primary and secondary schools and affordable university education with well-equipped facilities. Surprisingly, those who enjoyed all these privileges are now the ones holding the country captive. Yes, they fought for our democracy. They got it and enjoyed it. Now, it is their turn to give back to society what they enjoy. Unfortunately, they no longer care.
Abdullahi Gulak
The politicians and wealthy elites have benefited most from Nigeria’s democracy since 1999. They have accumulated wealth and power through corrupt means while the average Nigerian struggles to make ends meet. The system seems designed to perpetuate their interests, leaving the masses disenfranchised. True democracy should prioritise citizens’ welfare, not just the privileged few. Until we address this imbalance, Nigeria’s democracy will remain incomplete.
Ibrahim Bashir
Politicians, top public service officials, and upper business-class individuals have likely benefited from democracy since June 12 through access to power and influence, economic opportunities and contracts, and policy-making positions. On the other hand, middle and lower-class citizens face challenges such as economic hardship, limited access to necessities like food, healthcare, and education, and feeling disconnected from the decision-making process.
Ikisa Clement
Nigeria’s democracy has a peculiar dividend distribution. Senators, House of Representatives members, state governors, state assembly members, and political appointees reap the most benefits. They enjoy hefty salaries, luxurious lifestyles, and influential power. Meanwhile, ordinary Nigerians struggle with poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. This disparity fuels discontent and undermines the system’s legitimacy. For Nigeria’s democracy to truly thrive, its benefits must trickle down to the masses, not just the privileged few. Citizens must demand accountability and inclusivity to create a more equitable society.
Abdu Yusuf
Of course, the political class and their cronies masquerading as businessmen in the corporate world via oil and gas, banking, and manufacturing sectors are the ones benefiting most from Nigeria’s democracy. It is worth noting that politics is the best business in Nigeria, and there are no saints in the game. The reforms from IBB’s SAP to date have ended up deforming the poorest of the poor in favour of the affluent or rich and wealthy individuals.
The middle class of the 70s are non-existent currently. These days, you are either rich or poor. The citizenry continues to wallow in abject poverty arising from the implementation of Brentwood policies, as the statistics do not translate to the realities on the ground. The regulatory agencies and legislative structures, including the justice system, are tailored to safeguard the interests of the bourgeois or the upper class.
The constituted authority saddled with the critical schedule of seeing to the welfare and security of the citizenry seems to have abdicated the sacred duty or thrown same under the bus. Be that as it may, the citizenry is continually keeping hope alive. Let Nigeria be great again.
Quwam Deen
It feels that the political class benefits most from democracy in Nigeria. While they enjoy power and privileges, we still face strikes, poor facilities, and limited opportunities. Democracy should work for all. But it seems the system favours the few at the top.
Gideon Ajare
People in the corridors of power, of course, are the sole beneficiaries of Nigeria’s democracy. That is why President Tinubu asserted that one does not need to play by the rules of election or negotiate with power ─ you simply grab power and run with it.
Quwam Deen
Arguably, the political elite and ruling class have benefited most from democracy in Nigeria. They have gained access to power, resources, and influence through elections and political appointments. Meanwhile, many ordinary Nigerians still struggle with poverty, insecurity, and unemployment issues that democracy was meant to address.
Lino Mario McOgar
The political elite and those closely connected to them have benefited the most from Nigeria’s democracy. This class has access to power, resources, and decision-making processes, allowing them to accumulate wealth and influence. They often secure lucrative government contracts and positions, reinforcing their status. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens continue to struggle with basic amenities and economic challenges. While democracy has provided a platform for some societal changes, it seems that the benefits have disproportionately favoured those already in power, leaving the majority yearning for more equitable growth and opportunity.
Muhammad Keana
Those who benefit the most from this democracy are the elites, including political, military, and traditional leaders, the heads of government establishments, and those who assist in compromising the system.
Tene Joash
Democracy has benefited the politicians by giving them the right to acquire more wealth without anybody questioning them. Democracy has also benefited the poor masses by giving them the right to protest every day.
Biggyonce Small
The beneficiaries are those who are loyal to the president, either from the opposition or the ruling party, and all the military and paramilitary, and civil servants who are on high profile, as well as high-profile public servants.
Onoja Vincent
The elites are the sole beneficiaries of the democracy. You can see how every gain of democracy since 1999 has been ruined from 2014 to date. The poor are the object of destruction by the politicians, through banditry, kidnapping, religious sects backed up by politicians, politics of divisibility, etc. Election rigging is now normal.
The voting rights the commoners could have used to decide who governs them, the lawmakers and the executive arms of the government have robbed Nigerians of it by ensuring that the electronic transmission of election results is not a determinant of election results in Nigeria. That is worse than ballot snatching. It is called rigging the rights of the electorate before going to the polls.
Many see President Bola Tinubu as a man who champions democracy in Nigeria because of his role in the June 12 election, but he has, through his government, shown that his role was a pursuit of personal gain and an ethnic champion.
Musa Abubakar
Nigeria’s democracy and the unequal dividends: Who truly benefits? Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the promised dividends — justice, equity, and development — remain elusive for the majority. While ordinary citizens face poverty, insecurity, and failing public services, democracy has largely benefited the political elite, their cronies, and their families. It has become a tool for personal enrichment rather than public service. Lavish salaries, corrupt deals, and exclusive privileges define governance, while the masses are sidelined.
Nigeria’s democracy today works for the few in power, leaving the rest behind in frustration, disillusionment, and deepening inequality.
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