Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has argued that Nigeria has never truly become a democratic nation despite its transition from military to civilian rule in 1999.
Sowore made the remarks during an appearance on Arise News' Prime Time programme on Wednesday while reacting to his release from Kuje Correctional Centre after a court granted him bail in the sum of N200 million on Monday.
According to the activist, the end of military rule did not automatically translate into genuine democracy, as the country still lacks the fundamental principles that define a democratic system.
"Because the military left and abandoned us with a constitution we didn't know how it was written doesn't mean we have democratic rule. We don't have the basic tenets of democracy," Sowore said.
He contended that many of those who once presented themselves as pro-democracy activists and opponents of military rule are now among those undermining democratic governance in the country.
Sowore further argued that successive administrations, including the current and previous governments, have failed to uphold essential democratic values, although he did not specify particular incidents during the interview.
The AAC presidential candidate maintained that Nigeria merely experienced a transition to civilian rule rather than a transition to true democracy.
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