Nigerians have reduced democracy to ‘skit’- Showunmi laments
Nigerians Urged to Increase Democratic Participation
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Segun Showunmi, convener of the Alternative Movement, expressed concern over the declining democratic engagement among Nigerians, likening it to “skit making.”
Speaking on Friday at his residence, Showunmi addressed members of the Action Alliance and the Labour Party, stressing that the lack of active citizen participation facilitates the manipulation of the democratic process by politicians.
“Democracy loses its meaning when the public does not engage,” he said, underscoring the importance of joining political parties and participating in elections. He noted that many voter cards belong to individuals who do not actively participate, enabling politicians to inflate vote counts during elections.
Showunmi highlighted that over 90 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been issued in Nigeria, questioning whether the status of the deceased has been adequately addressed and emphasizing that the younger population is growing faster than the death rate. He remarked that Nigerians engage in extensive discussions about government and politics but often fail to convert that dialogue into meaningful participation.
He urged citizens to promote democratic awareness within their families, warning that apathy presents a significant challenge. “It is our responsibility as Nigerians to voice our concerns and actively participate,” he stated.
Showunmi also emphasized the need for collective action beyond just polling units, advocating for community discussions about civic responsibility. He expressed concern about the implications for Nigeria’s democratic reputation in the global arena, stating that it is unrealistic for only the ruling party to appear on the ballot in future elections.
Additionally, Showunmi called on politicians, particularly those from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to refrain from attributing their challenges to the Electoral Act. He stated that the law is designed for universal application and urged them to concentrate on grassroots engagement and enhancing their party’s infrastructure rather than lamenting the electoral framework.
The State Chairman of Action Alliance, Prof. Tunde Adebola, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to collaborating with Showunmi in pursuit of his governorship ambitions in the upcoming election.
