Governor Alex Otti has blamed all Nigerians for the country’s woes while acknowledging that democracy has empowered the Abia people to reclaim their destiny, restored public confidence in governance, and continues to drive sustainable development.

Mr Otti stated this in his 2026 Democracy Day message, titled ‘Of Freedom and Development’, which was made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Friday.

The Abia governor described the progress recorded in Abia under his administration as proof that democracy and development can coexist when citizens elect leaders committed to public service and accountability.

Mr Otti added that through strategic investments in infrastructure, human capital development, security and social welfare, his administration had demonstrated that genuine development thrives best under democratic governance.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999 and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Mr Otti opined that Democracy Day offered an opportunity for national reflection on the country’s achievements and challenges.

He noted that while many Nigerians remained disappointed by unmet expectations, it would be unfair to dismiss the gains recorded under democratic governance. According to him, democracy had not failed; rather, leaders and citizens alike have sometimes fallen short of their responsibilities.

“The blame for the disappointments of the post-1999 years belongs entirely to us, as leaders and citizens, not to democracy or its foundational principles,” Mr Otti stated.

The governor paid tribute to pro-democracy activists, who fought against military dictatorship, describing them as patriots whose sacrifices secured the freedom Nigerians enjoy today.

He noted that their courage, resilience and commitment to democratic ideals should inspire the present and future generations to continue the struggle for liberty, justice and national development.

Mr Otti stressed that democracy was not an end in itself but a means of building a society where individual rights, freedom and justice would be guaranteed.

The Abia governor urged Nigerians to reject terrorism, violent extremism, political greed, ethnic divisions and religious intolerance, describing them as threats to democratic progress.

He maintained that the heroes of the June 12 struggle came from different ethnic and religious backgrounds but were united by a common belief in democracy as the best path to national development.

Mr Otti contended that although democracy is imperfect, it remains preferable because no superior alternative exists. He expressed satisfaction that regular elections had become an established feature of the country’s political system after 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

“Every four years, citizens have the opportunity to choose their leaders. That alone tells an important story of how far we have come as a nation,” he stated.

Mr Otti, however, warned that elections would be meaningless if citizens failed to safeguard the integrity of the process. He urged the citizenry to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor further charged Nigerians to remain politically conscious, resist electoral manipulation and reject vote-buying, violence and divisive politics. He stated that accepting money in exchange for votes undermines the right to demand accountability from elected officials.

“When citizens sell their votes or become instruments of violence and hatred, they become conspirators in the desecration of public trust,” he added.

(NAN)