Democracy Must Work for All Nigerians, Says NDSG Chairman at 2025 Democracy Solidarity Walk
Democracy Must Work for All Nigerians, Says NDSG Chairman at 2025 Democracy Solidarity Walk
Abuja, Nigeria – May 29, 2025
The Chairman of the Proponent Council of the National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), Dr. Kletsaint Akor, has called for sincere democratic governance that delivers tangible benefits to all Nigerians. He made the call on Wednesday during the 6th edition of the National Democracy Solidarity Walk (NDSW), held at Unity Fountain, Abuja, with the theme: “Making Democracy Count – A Mid-Term Impact Assessment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration.”
Addressing a diverse crowd of citizens, activists, youth, and security officials who participated in the symbolic walk from Eagle Square to Unity Fountain, Dr. Akor described the march as more than a ceremonial act—it was, in his words, “a national prayer in motion” and “a march of voices that may never hold a microphone but whose stories matter more than manifestos.”
Reflecting on the purpose of the walk, Akor emphasized that it was time to assess whether Nigeria’s democratic system is genuinely working for the people, particularly halfway through the current administration.
“Has democracy truly counted for the farmer whose crops rot due to lack of access roads? For the single mother waiting on a salary increase that never comes? For the youth told to ‘hustle’ in a system that won’t invest in their dreams?” he asked.
Describing the moment as a crucial mid-term checkpoint, he called on Nigerians to evaluate the administration's progress not out of anger, but with clarity and civic responsibility.
Akor saluted the courage and vibrancy of Nigerian youths, declaring that they are not just leaders of tomorrow but the pulse of today's democracy. He encouraged them to remain vocal and resist settling for “performative democracy.”
“Let no one convince you that silence is maturity,” he urged, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in national development.
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of women, many of whom led the walk, describing them as “the heartbeat of our democracy.” He challenged political systems to become more inclusive and responsive to women’s voices and leadership.
In a notable departure from the confrontational tone often associated with civil protests, Dr. Akor praised the disciplined participation of security agencies in the solidarity walk. He stressed the importance of trust and mutual respect between citizens and the state in building a truly secure democracy.
“A secure democracy is not built with guns—but with trust, fairness, and mutual respect between state and citizen,” he stated.
Calling for sustained civic engagement beyond the walk, he encouraged citizens to channel their energy into town halls, legislative advocacy, voting, and reform-oriented discourse.
“This Walk must not end here,” he declared. “It must become a habit—not just an annual ritual, but a daily practice of demanding performance, not propaganda.”
To political leaders, Dr. Akor delivered a firm but constructive message:
“Nigeria is not asking for miracles. She is asking for sincerity. For budgets that match promises. For roads that connect farms to markets. For policies that don’t just look good on paper, but feel good in lives.”
“Let this Walk go down in history as the moment we rekindled our civic flame. Let it be remembered not for the number of steps, but for the depth of conviction.”
The National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG) has continued to organize the annual Democracy Solidarity Walk as a platform for civic reflection, political accountability, and citizen engagement in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
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