Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki, on Thursday, called for an honest and non-partisan assessment of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, urging political leaders and stakeholders to prioritise the strengthening of democracy over personal or party interests.
Saraki made the call while chairing the 23rd annual Daily Trust Dialogue themed “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What Is Working and What Is Not,” held at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Kado Expressway, Abuja.
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Addressing scholars, policymakers, public servants, journalists and other dignitaries, Saraki described platforms organised by credible media institutions as vital to democratic development, stressing that the media must go beyond reporting events to interrogating governance and history.
Speaking as a citizen and former public office-holder at both state and national levels, he said Nigeria’s democracy has been “tested, strained and sometimes bent, but not broken,” emphasising the need for candid reflection to address its progress and shortcomings.
He disclosed that he was initially reluctant to accept the chairmanship of the dialogue due to the country’s proximity to an election year, expressing concern that the forum could be politicised.
Saraki, therefore, urged participants to “drop political gowns” and engage as patriotic Nigerians committed to national progress.
According to him, acknowledging democratic gains does not amount to endorsing the government of the day, just as pointing out failures should not be interpreted as hostility toward institutions or governance.
Saraki highlighted achievements of the Fourth Republic, including over 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, peaceful transfers of power across political parties, freedom of speech, media pluralism, a vibrant civil society and judicial interventions that have, at times, restrained executive excesses.
He also noted Nigeria’s economic expansion since 1999 and the emergence of new sectors such as fintech, entertainment and the creative industry.
However, he warned that democratic continuity without quality should not be mistaken for success, urging stakeholders to focus on how democracy can deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
He identified four priority areas for deepening democracy: judicial independence and speedy dispensation of justice; improved moral and societal values; an effective fight against corruption with real consequences for misconduct; and the conduct of credible elections.
Saraki expressed confidence in the calibre of leaders and speakers at the dialogue, urging them to offer practical ideas to strengthen democratic governance.
He concluded by noting that history would judge Nigeria’s Fourth Republic not by its longevity but by how well it serves the people.
Also speaking, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the organisers for sustaining the national dialogue for over two decades, describing it as a rare and valuable platform for critical reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The monarch said the theme of the dialogue was timely given Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, and identified sustained civilian rule and peaceful transfers of power as major achievements of the Fourth Republic.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, corruption and the perceived weakening of democratic institutions.
He cautioned against generalising insecurity or framing it along religious lines, describing it instead as “scattered,” and urged stronger institutions—particularly the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies—to regain public trust.
In his presentation, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise clear, consistent and strategic communication as a key pillar of democratic governance.
Dare said democracy should be viewed as a learning process rather than a linear progression, shaped by competing demands and limited resources.
He traced Nigeria’s political instability to identity politics and economic mismanagement, particularly during the oil boom era, which he said eroded political and economic legitimacy.
While acknowledging gains of the Fourth Republic—such as media freedom, judicial activism and expanded civic space—Dare identified declining public trust, economic hardship, insecurity and weak sub-national governance as major challenges to democratic consolidation.
He defended the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, describing them as necessary steps to correct long-standing economic distortions.
He cited emerging indicators such as moderating inflation, improved external reserves, increased oil production, non-oil trade surplus and expanded social safety net programmes as signs of recovery.
Dare concluded that reform is essential to sustaining democracy, urging Nigerians to support efforts aimed at building a more inclusive and accountable system.
He said Nigeria’s Fourth Republic remains a work in progress, learning to correct itself from within, and noted that effective media engagement and public communication are crucial to building trust and ensuring democratic success.