Leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for the strengthening of the nation’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election.
A former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; a former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura; and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a book presentation.
The APC chieftains who spoke separately during the event stressed the need to safeguard the nation’s democracy through adherence to the rule of law, conduct of credible elections and responsible leadership.
Ganduje said democracy entails more than periodic elections, as he identified the rule of law, constitutionalism, credible polls, internal party democracy and independent electoral institutions as its essential pillars.
He lamented the absence of strong ideological foundations among political parties, saying the situation has encouraged defections that are driven by personal interests rather than convictions.
According to him, strengthening internal democracy within political parties and promoting ideology-based politics would deepen democratic culture and restore public confidence in the political system.
Al-Makura, who was the chairman of the occasion, noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule remains the longest democratic experience since independence.
He urged Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences and work collectively to strengthen democratic institutions and preserve national unity.
Al-Makura described the book, titled: Nigeria’s Journey To Democratic Rule, authored by an Abuja based journalist, Mr Onyekachi Eze, as “a vital historical record of the sacrifices and struggles that shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
The book chronicles Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance between 1986 and 1999.
Al-Makura, who also chairs the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board, said the book would serve as a guide for leaders, scholars and future generations seeking to understand the country’s political evolution.
Also speaking at the event, Information Minister Idris described the book as a timely contribution to national discourse, saying it provides a comprehensive account of Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule.
He urged government institutions, schools, libraries and private organisations to acquire copies, describing the publication as an important reference material on Nigeria’s democratic history.
Idris also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to democratic consolidation through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the administration remains focused on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure and security while addressing poverty and other socio-economic challenges.
The event was attended by political leaders across party lines, public officials, academics, journalists and stakeholders in different proffessions.
They hailed the publication as a significant contribution to documenting Nigeria’s democratic experience and inspiring future reforms.
