By Excellence Oseose
Barely 12 hours to Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has opined that the country is facing significant political, economic and security challenges despite several years of democratic dispensation.
The President Tinubu-led government has said on Tuesday 9th June 2026, during a world press conference in Abuja that the country is ‘moving in the right direction’.
“Evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction, from fragility toward firmer footing, from stop-gap actions toward system reform, and from scattered interventions toward a more connected programme of delivery,” Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume said.
Briefing journalists ahead of the annual celebration on Thursday, Senator Moro said while Nigerians have reason to celebrate the survival of democratic governance, many citizens would disagree that democracy is progressing in the right direction.
“Every year that June 12 comes and Nigerians are still in democracy, we have reason to celebrate. But I can assure you that many Nigerians will not agree that our democracy is on the right track,” he said.
The lawmaker said political parties across the country are plagued by internal crises, litigations and a lack of ideological direction, resulting in frequent defections by politicians seeking platforms for electoral contests.
The Senator, representing Benue South senatorial district argued that democracy can only be deepened when political parties are built around clear principles and commitments rather than serving merely as vehicles for attaining power.
He lamented the worsening economic conditions facing Nigerians, noting that inflation, unemployment and poverty continue to rise while the cost of living places enormous pressure on citizens.
“Nigerians are hurting. Inflation is on the rise, unemployment is on the rise, poverty is increasing and insecurity is worsening,” he stated.
The lawmaker acknowledged that the current administration is attempting to implement reforms but stressed that such reforms must align with the aspirations and expectations of ordinary Nigerians.
He noted that many citizens now struggle to pay hospital bills, school fees and other basic necessities, warning that the country cannot continue on its current path.
The Minority Leader also raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Benue State and across the country, describing attacks by suspected armed herdsmen as a form of war against local communities.
Referencing a recent Senate intervention, Senator Moro questioned what he described as contradictions in the government’s approach to insecurity, citing the case of a constituent who has allegedly been detained for over a year for possessing arms while armed attackers continue to operate with sophisticated weapons.
He accused state governments of failing to adequately utilize security votes and local government resources to protect vulnerable communities.
“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property. Governors must take responsibility for security in their states rather than remain reactive to attacks,” he said.
Moro urged authorities to strengthen local security structures and adopt more proactive measures against recurring attacks in rural communities.
In his Democracy Day message to Nigerians, Moro urged citizens not to lose hope despite current challenges.
“Building a nation is work in progress. We are not where we are supposed to be, but we must keep hope alive and believe that the efforts being made today will eventually yield results,” he said.
Abuja Times reports that Democracy is celebrated annually on 12th June.