The fundamental basis of democracy is the ideological thesis that simply as humans, human beings are equal. This equality implies that everyone should have the opportunity to determine the conditions of his or her life, through participation in legislation, in deciding general policies and also in the application of the laws of his or her society. Therefore, democracy is more than electioneering. It calls upon governments to ensure better living conditions for its people with tacit co-operation. It connotes equality of all persons in the state.
Nigeria has been on the pathway to democratic governance since the elections of 1999 that brought in former President Olusegun Obasanjo but I believe Nigeria will not get there soon enough. The fundamental human rights which have in it rights of speech, publication and association that are entrenched in the constitution are also integral to democracy for they enable continuous participation of the people in governance. Though bills are being passed in the legislature, most of these bills passed into law are not in the interest of the masses. Our leaders are selfish and in a country in which their leaders are selfish and do not think about the wants of the masses, one cannot say the form of governance is democratic. The participation in governmental affairs lifts the individual above the narrow circle of his egoism and broadens his interest. It makes him interested in his country and gives him a sense of responsibility.
The workings of democratic government in Nigeria is ridden with bribery and corruption, mismanagement of government funds, rigging of elections, the desire not to relinquish power, hijacking of power by the elites against the wishes of the majority, fighting within the legislature etc. We still have a long way to go.
