Abuja, Nigeria – June 14, 2025
Concerned stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic space have raised alarm over the deepening erosion of democratic principles in the country, citing worsening corruption and the stifling of local government autonomy.
According to analysts, the level of corruption under the current democratic dispensation has surpassed what was experienced during the military era, with some suggesting it is “about ten times worse.”
“There seems to be less commitment to the foundational ideals of democracy. What we see now is a hijacking of governance structures for personal and political gain,” said a political commentator, who requested anonymity.
Critics say the most glaring example of this is the ongoing diversion of local government allocations by state governors, with up to 90 per cent of funds reportedly withheld from the third tier of government.
“This undermines development at the grassroots and renders local governments incapacitated,” said a representative of a civil society organisation monitoring local governance.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees autonomy for local governments, but observers argue that the implementation is weak due to interference from state governments.
The calls for reforms have intensified, with many urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the National Assembly to enforce constitutional provisions that safeguard democratic structures and curb executive overreach at the state level.
Analysts warn that if these issues are not urgently addressed, the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy and its capacity to deliver meaningful governance may remain in doubt.
