Experts warn bad governance, disinformation fueling military rule support
On April 1, experts at the unveiling of CDD West Africa's Democratic Strategic Plan 2026-2031 warned that decades of policy failures and rampant disinformation are driving growing support for military rule across West Africa as democracy fails to deliver development.
Political economist Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim traced Nigeria's stagnation to the abandonment of state-led economic planning after the 1962-1968 development framework. He noted that over 90% of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex was completed but remains stalled, representing 50 years of lost industrial growth. "Nigeria has more poor people proportionately than 20, 30, or even 50 years ago," Ibrahim said, arguing democracy without people-centered development will fail.
Dr. Dauda Garuba highlighted disinformation's role: viral TikTok content falsely portrays military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso as prosperous, undermining democracy. "Thousands of manipulated videos create a false reality," Garuba said, noting social media amplifies both citizen journalism and false narratives that legitimize military takeovers.
Policy expert Egghead Odewole challenged the focus on infrastructure as democracy's true dividend. "Fundamental rights, security, and participation are what matters—many Nigerians still lack these," he said, warning that declining security and weak citizen engagement between elections create openings for military rule. He urged sustained civic involvement and institutional reforms.
The panel debated whether democracy or the people are failing, concluding systems depend on both responsible leaders and active citizens.
Do you believe Nigeria's democracy can improve without citizen pressure beyond voting? What specific actions—community monitoring, civic education, or peaceful advocacy—could you join to strengthen accountability?