Nigeria has practised uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999. Elections have been held regularly, governments have changed through the ballot box, and citizens enjoy freedoms that were limited during military rule. Yet, a critical question remains: can democracy be considered successful if it does not significantly improve the lives of the people? For many Nigerians, democracy was expected to bring more than the right to vote. Citizens hoped for reliable electricity, quality education, accessible healthcare, improved security, good roads, employment opportunities, and a better standard of living. Democracy was meant to translate political freedom into social and economic progress. While there have been improvements in some sectors, many Nigerians still face daily hardships. Rising living costs, unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and inadequate public services continue to affect millions of households. As a result, some citizens question whether democratic governance has delivered on its promises. However, it is important to distinguish between democracy as a system and the performance of those elected to operate it. Democracy provides the framework for accountability, participation, and peaceful change. Development depends largely on the quality of leadership, the strength of institutions, and the active involvement of citizens in the democratic process. A democracy that fails to deliver development risks losing public trust. Citizens who feel neglected may become disillusioned with governance and disengage from civic participation. This makes it even more important for leaders to focus on policies that directly improve people's lives. As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the conversation should go beyond celebrating democratic survival. The real measure of success is whether democracy is creating opportunities, reducing hardship, and promoting national development. Ultimately, democracy should not only give citizens a voice—it should also give them a better future.
