Legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Daniel Bwala, has asserted that Nigeria has made appreciable progress in consolidating the fundamentals of a republican democracy, despite persistent challenges.
Speaking on the occasion of June 12 Democracy Day, Bwala acknowledged that while the journey since 1999 has not been without obstacles, key democratic principles such as civilian governance, institutional development, and citizen participation have continued to deepen.
“We have made progress in terms of the fundamentals of a republican democracy,” Bwala noted, citing the continuity of electoral cycles, increasing civic awareness, and improved legal frameworks as markers of democratic growth.
He, however, called for greater respect for the rule of law, strengthening of institutions, and protection of civil liberties, noting that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on constant vigilance and active citizen engagement.
Bwala’s remarks echo broader national reflections on June 12, a day that commemorates the enduring struggle for democracy and honours the legacy of Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
