Nigeria must agree on identity, purpose to strengthen democracy — Fashola

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has called for a national consensus on Nigeria’s identity and purpose, arguing that such an agreement is essential for building a stable democracy and a united nation.

Speaking at The Platform Nigeria’s Democracy Day programme, Fashola delivered a presentation titled “The Necessity for Consensus,” where he raised fundamental questions about the country’s future and democratic development.

According to him, Nigeria must first resolve key questions about its collective identity before it can effectively address other national challenges.

“If we don’t have an agreement about our own identity, how can we reach an agreement about our purpose?” he asked.

Fashola challenged Nigerians to reflect on whether the country is truly a nation or merely a geographical entity. He also questioned the type of democracy Nigerians have agreed upon and the kind of democratic system they hope to build for future generations.

The former minister stressed that consensus should not be mistaken for the absence of opposing views. Rather, he said, it strengthens democratic engagement by creating a common foundation upon which differing opinions can be expressed and debated.

“Consensus does not disable opposition, rather it sharpens it,” he stated.

Fashola further emphasized the importance of accountability in governance, warning that no society can thrive when certain individuals or groups are beyond scrutiny.

“We can’t have a society in which certain people are unaccountable,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s long-term stability depends on a shared understanding of national values, goals and democratic principles. Without such agreement, he argued, efforts to address political, economic and social challenges may continue to face obstacles.

Fashola concluded that a country without a common sense of identity cannot fully function as a nation, while a democracy lacking shared purpose and understanding remains fragile and vulnerable to instability.