By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has identified the absence of clear ideological foundations among Nigeria’s political parties as one of the major challenges confronting the country’s democratic development.
Speaking on Wednesday at the public presentation of the book Nigeria’s Journey to Democratic Rule, authored by Onyekachi Eze-Odezulu in Abuja, Ganduje said political parties should be distinguished by their philosophies, programmes and policy directions rather than personalities.
According to him, the lack of ideology has weakened party politics, encouraged defections driven by personal interests instead of principles and made it difficult for Nigerians to identify clear policy alternatives among political parties.
“Political parties are expected to be driven by clear philosophies, programmes and policy directions that distinguish one from another,” he said.
He stressed that strengthening internal democracy and promoting issue-based politics would deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture and restore public confidence in the political process.
Ganduje described democracy as more than periodic elections, saying it rests on the rule of law, constitutional order, credible electoral management, internal democracy within political parties, security and free, fair and credible elections.
He urged Nigerians to continue protecting democratic institutions, noting that they remain the foundation for political stability, national unity and sustainable development.
Commending the author for documenting Nigeria’s democratic evolution, Ganduje said the publication would serve as a valuable reference for students, researchers, policymakers and political actors.
He added that despite existing challenges, democracy had become firmly rooted in Nigeria and called for sustained efforts to strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law and ensure democratic governance delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Chairman of the occasion and former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, described the book as an important historical account of Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy.
Al-Makura recalled his participation in the Constituent Assembly and his role as Plateau State Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), saying the experiences underscored the sacrifices made to restore democratic governance.
He noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democracy remain relatively young compared to older democracies but said the country had recorded significant milestones, including peaceful transfers of power and improvements in electoral administration through technology.
The former governor urged Nigerians to continue safeguarding democratic institutions and called on citizens to support efforts aimed at consolidating democratic gains and promoting national development.
He also advocated the teaching of history in schools, saying understanding the nation’s past is essential for building a stronger democratic future.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the publication as a timely contribution to documenting Nigeria’s democratic journey from military rule to civilian governance.
The minister who was represented by Ibidapo Okunu a Director in the Ministry, commended the author for producing what it described as a well-researched account that would serve as an important tool for public education, research and national enlightenment.
He said the book chronicles Nigeria’s democratic struggles and achievements, making it a valuable resource for government institutions, educational establishments and libraries.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening democracy, saying the administration remained focused on implementing its Renewed Hope Agenda through improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and economic development.
He encouraged Nigerians to obtain and read the book, describing it as a significant addition to literature on the country’s democratic evolution.
The book reviewer, Prof. Ahmed Alkali described the book as a well researched project which reignited the long hazardous path that led to the present democracy.
The event was attended by the National Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Bolaji Abdullahi who represented his party while his counterparty in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mohammed Jungudo was also present.
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