Democracy Day: Gov. Otti Urges Abians to Support Free, Fair, and Credible Elections to Sustain Democratic Governance
Democracy Day: Gov. Otti Urges Abians to Support Free, Fair, and Credible Elections to Sustain Democratic Governance
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated that democratic governance remains the only system that guarantees the welfare of Abians and Nigerians at large.
In a Democracy Day message titled “The Priceless Treasure of Democracy,” Governor Otti emphasized that the celebration presents Nigerians with an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey, particularly since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, by identifying progress made and highlighting areas needing improvement in the quest for a better future.
The Governor affirmed that there is no alternative to popular democracy, which is built on the pillars of free, fair, and credible elections, freedom of speech and association, and the pursuit of the common good. He maintained that Nigerians should not seek to replace democracy, but rather focus on strengthening its governance framework to ensure its full benefits reach the people.
“The June 12 anniversary presents a special opportunity to evaluate our individual roles in promoting democratic values. We must ensure that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, as Abraham Lincoln described it, remains the most viable means of achieving our shared aspirations,” he said.
Governor Otti highlighted that the “New Abia” under his leadership demonstrates why citizens must retain faith in the democratic process.
“It may not always be smooth. Disappointments are inevitable. Chaos may arise, and institutional frustrations may occur. But we must never take our eyes off the goal. The multi-sectoral progress we witness today is a result of our unwavering belief in the promise of multi-party democracy.
“Our communities are safer, road infrastructure is improving, the environment is more appealing, and economic activity is growing, because we refused to give in to defeatists who claimed we were doomed to mediocrity. Your resilience is at the heart of our progress. We remain grateful to you, Umunne m Ndi Abia.”
He stressed that the responsibility of democracy extends beyond voting for candidates who present convincing programs.
“We must ensure our voices are heard and our input is considered in decisions that affect us. Our current reality demands vigilance beyond election day, until transparent outcomes are achieved through proper adherence to electoral processes.
“We must actively resist forces that undermine democratic values. These forces, though not armed, pose greater threats to democracy today than military dictatorships ever did.”
Governor Otti reminded citizens that voting is only one part of democracy.
“As I have often written, we must hold elected officials accountable, ask the right questions, contribute meaningfully to governance, and support the system by paying taxes regularly.
“Your confidence in paying taxes to a democratic government stems from knowing that these funds are managed by elected officials who can be held accountable or removed when they fail.”
He argued that democracy is superior to all other forms of government because it gives equal power to every citizen, regardless of status or wealth.
“This sacred trust must be valued, and we must fulfill our obligations using every legitimate means available.”
He called for national unity in resisting threats to the democratic space.
“One collective decision we must make today as patriots is to vehemently oppose anything that endangers democratic expansion. That would be the most meaningful way to honour those whose sweat, tears, and blood nurtured the freedom we enjoy today.”
Governor Otti acknowledged that Nigeria’s democratic experience has been far from ideal, noting that many families are losing faith in its promise.
He said, “These concerns should not be dismissed, they reflect real, lived experiences.”
According to him, “Moments like this call for honest self-reflection. Hunger, poverty, unemployment, insecurity, social unrest, and decaying infrastructure diminish the appeal of democracy for millions.”
“These issues are blind to ethnicity, religion, or politics. Patriotism demands we reflect on how our actions, or inactions, may have worsened these challenges over time.”
He warned that abstaining from electoral participation only worsens national problems.
“We violate our democratic rights when we accept bribes to vote or act selfishly in our workplaces. Democracy suffers when individuals vandalize public property, accept payment for undone work, or manipulate systems for personal gain. Our daily actions, and failures to act, either strengthen or weaken democracy.”
Governor Otti admitted that Nigerians have valid reasons to question the nation’s democratic journey but urged reflection on the tangible gains over the last 26 years.
“The democratic space is expanding. More Nigerians are participating in governance, demanding accountability, and pushing for reform. Considering our past under military rule, when telling hard truths could attract punishment, we must appreciate our current freedom to speak without fear.”
He highlighted ongoing improvements across various communities.
“Economic infrastructure is growing. What was once a privilege is now a demand. Modest gains in public infrastructure are accompanied by major strides in digital and financial services, creating jobs and wealth.
“Perhaps the most significant transformation is the growth of the private sector and emergence of indigenous businesses competing globally. These successes prove we have the capacity to do more. Our task is to reimagine greatness and harness our national advantages.”
Governor Otti paid tribute to Nigeria’s democratic heroes, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, GCFR, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and his wife, Kudirat, who both died fighting for democracy.
“The story of June 12 would be incomplete without honoring the sacrifices of thousands of fearless patriots who valued freedom more than life.
“In Abia, we remember heroes like Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu and Comrade Chima Ubani, of blessed memory. Another distinguished son, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, demonstrated through his commitment that privilege should never blind one to moral responsibility.
“Beyond these names, countless others from Abia and across Nigeria stood firm in the struggle for the return of democracy.”
“Today, we honour both the sung and unsung heroes who believed that, despite its imperfections, democracy remains the best form of governance. The baton has been passed to us, and it is now our duty to run the next lap in this marathon.
“Our enduring goal must be to build a nation where social, economic, and political freedom is guaranteed for all, ensuring that no person or institution undermines the rights endowed to us by our Creator.”