Democracy Must Work for the People, Not Just at the Polls, Says Senator Natasha
As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for a redefinition of democratic governance, emphasizing that democracy must go beyond elections and serve the everyday needs of citizens.
Speaking during a civic engagement forum in Abuja on Wednesday, the senator representing Kogi Central stated that while the conduct of elections is vital, democracy must be seen in how government policies and actions improve the quality of life for ordinary Nigerians.
“Democracy must work for the people, not just at the polls. It must reflect in the schools our children attend, the roads we travel, the security we feel in our communities, and the dignity with which citizens live. If democracy only becomes visible every four years during elections, then we have failed as leaders,” she said.
The senator decried what she described as the disconnect between elected officials and the electorate once campaigns are over, urging political leaders to remain accountable and responsive at all times.
She warned that unless the dividends of democracy are felt in people’s daily lives, the system risks losing credibility and public trust.
“We must break the dangerous pattern where politicians engage with citizens only when they need their votes,” she said. “Real democracy demands that leaders consistently listen, respond, and improve the lives of the people they serve.”
Senator Uduaghan pointed to the challenges of insecurity, high inflation, youth unemployment, and poor infrastructure as symptoms of a system that prioritizes elections over governance.
She urged her fellow lawmakers and public officeholders to lead with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to genuine development.
“Leadership is not about titles or ceremonies. It’s about sacrifice, service, and stewardship,” she said. “We must stop seeing politics as a ladder to personal enrichment and start seeing it as a platform for national transformation.”
She also called for greater inclusion in governance, particularly for women and young people, stating that democracy cannot thrive unless it is representative of all segments of society.
The senator further encouraged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in democratic processes beyond election day, urging them to ask questions, demand accountability, and participate in civic life.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” she added. “It is a shared responsibility between leaders and the people. Our civic duty doesn’t end at the ballot box — it begins there.”
Senator Uduaghan’s remarks have sparked discussion across social media and civil society groups, with many Nigerians praising her candid stance and calling on leaders to take the message seriously. As the country reflects on its democratic journey, her comments add a critical voice to ongoing conversations about governance, accountability, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
