Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged Nigerians to play a more active role in protecting democracy, warning that the country must not wait for another June 12-style crisis before defending its democratic institutions.
Speaking at The Platform Nigeria’s Democracy Day event, Saraki stressed that a healthy democracy depends on strong institutions, active citizens and a legislature willing to exercise its independence, rather than simply endorsing the decisions of the executive arm of government.
According to him, the essence of democracy lies in the existence of checks and balances that prevent the concentration of power in one office or institution.
Saraki argued that many Nigerians often view political power through the lens of the presidency alone, overlooking the critical roles played by the legislature, judiciary and citizens in sustaining democratic governance.
He noted that a parliament that merely approves every decision without scrutiny cannot effectively serve the interests of the people. Instead, he said, democratic institutions must be able to question policies, demand accountability and provide oversight when necessary.
“A legislature that always says ‘yes’ is not truly a legislature,” he said, emphasizing that freedom and democratic growth are strengthened by constructive disagreement and institutional independence.
The former Senate President warned against unchecked power, describing it as a threat to democratic development. He maintained that governments become stronger and more credible when their actions are subjected to scrutiny and accountability.
“A free government is not dangerous; an unchecked government is,” he stated, adding that any political mandate that cannot withstand questioning is one that citizens should be concerned about.
Saraki also highlighted the importance of civic education, noting that democracy suffers when citizens do not understand the provisions of the constitution or the responsibilities of elected officials. He said Nigerians must become more informed about how government works in order to effectively hold leaders accountable.
According to him, the strength of the legislature ultimately depends on the vigilance of the people it represents. Citizens, he said, must demand transparency, monitor public institutions and participate actively in the democratic process.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Saraki described the date as one of the most important milestones in Nigeria’s democratic history. He noted that the struggles and sacrifices associated with the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election serve as a reminder that democratic gains should never be taken for granted.
He warned that democracy remains vulnerable when citizens become indifferent or disengaged from governance, stressing that preserving democratic values requires constant effort and participation.
In his closing remarks, Saraki posed a thought-provoking question to Nigerians: “Do we think it’s possible for a repeat of June 12?”
He immediately followed it with a call to action, urging citizens not to wait until democracy is threatened before defending it.
“We must not wait every year,” he said.
Saraki concluded that the future of Nigeria’s democracy will not be determined by fate or chance, but by the willingness of citizens, institutions and leaders to uphold democratic principles every day. He urged Nigerians to act now in strengthening accountability, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that the lessons of June 12 are never forgotten.