Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar, says democracy, despite its limitations and challenges, remains the best form of government anywhere in the world.
In his message to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the former Vice President explained that the freedom of choice is one of the most important ingredients of the democratic system.
According to Abubakar, the freedom to choose leaders makes democracy fashionable, adding that any system that subverts the will of the people destroys the progress of the society.
The Turaki Adamawa said as an active participant in the democratic struggle in Nigeria and an ardent proponent of the rule of law, rather than the rule of man, he recognises the sacrifices of gallant Nigerians whose struggles brought the country to the current stage.
According to him, as Nigerians celebrate democracy day, the memory of the late Shehu Yar’Adua and M.K.O. Abiola would resonate across the country, adding that the sacrifices of countless others who paid the supreme price for opposing dictatorship would also not be forgotten.
The former Vice President said no sane society would choose despotism over democracy because, under dictatorship, dissent is met with death or torture.
On the current challenges facing the ordinary Nigerians, the former Vice President said no democratically elected government would intentionally hurt the voters that put it into office.
He explains that the APC administration remains committed to the welfare of Nigerians and that the current challenges are temporary.
According to him, the 2016 budget is specifically targeted to address the basic needs of the ordinary Nigerians, explaining that the implementation of the budget would bring succour to Nigerians.
He therefore urged Nigerians not to lose hope because of the current temporary challenges that they are going through.
