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The former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), expressed his excitement about the role his administration played in Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy.
During the Inter Party Advisory Council public launch of its book, ‘100 Years Of Political Parties Evolution In Nigeria (1923 – 2023)’, held on Thursday in Abuja, the former military leader called on Nigerians to ensure the continued success of democracy.
Abdulsalami, who was the event’s Chairman, spoke on the theme, “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria – The Imperative of Nigeria’s Political Stability: Issues and Solutions.”
The former Head of State, represented by his Chief Security Officer, General Abdulrashid Aliyu, pointed out that 2025 will mark 102 years since the formation of political parties in Nigeria, representing a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey.
He stated “I commend the leadership of IPAC for its political savvy and foresight in articulating and writing this historic book on 100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923 – 2023.
“Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. There is no substitute to the government of the people, by the people and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people.
“This year will also make it 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since 1st October 1960, when the country got Independence from the British colonial masters.
“My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance. It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.”
He emphasized the importance of continually nurturing and strengthening democracy, as there is no substitute for civilian rule.
Abdulsalami also stated that Nigeria’s democracy has withstood challenges from reactionary forces, proving the people’s strong faith and resilience in representative governance.
He stated “It has become expedient to explore political parties’ development priorities so as to consolidate the nation’s democracy and ensure an environment conducive for successful elections and political stability which is in tandem with the IPAC mandate.
“We have all learned a lot in this longest period of democracy in Nigeria, as we continue the ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments to correct obvious flaws in the electoral process and imbibe democratic ideals, ethics and values, the nation will yet again witness sustainable democracy and development.
“Some of these are supremacy of the party leadership, adherence to party manifestoes; and formation of party and membership based on ideology.”
Earlier, the chief host and National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, stated that the launch of the book, which commemorates a century of political party activities in the country, is highly significant.
