The political trajectory of Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999 remains a subject of intense national debate, centering on which political party or administration has truly delivered the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) argue that the party represents a fundamental shift from short-term fixes to enduring national development. From this perspective, the previous 16 years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—spanning the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan—focused heavily on immediate consumption and “stomach infrastructure.” Proponents of this view point to long-delayed projects, such as the Abuja-Lokoja road dualisation initially awarded in 2006, as evidence of past inefficiencies.

In contrast, the APC administrations under Muhammadu Buhari and now Bola Ahmed Tinubu are viewed by supporters as builders of the future. The current government’s focus is seen as transforming long-standing waste into national assets, such as commercialising flared gas from the nation’s refineries. Advocates argue that the scale of ongoing road networks and critical infrastructure projects initiated or revived under President Tinubu represents an unprecedented commitment to building a foundation that will serve Nigeria for generations.

Conversely, critics and opposition figures present a different assessment of Nigeria’s democratic journey. They contend that the PDP era laid essential foundations for the modern Nigerian economy. These included the successful liquidation of Nigeria’s foreign debt through the Paris Club breakthrough, the telecom revolution that liberalised the digital economy, and the establishment of key anti-corruption and institutional frameworks.

Furthermore, many citizens judge governance through the lens of immediate economic survival. Critics of the current administration point to the severe impact of recent economic reforms, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of forex windows. These policies have led to historic inflation, a high cost of living, and currency depreciation. From this viewpoint, large-scale infrastructure projects hold little value if the immediate welfare of the population is compromised.

A unique aspect of this national discourse is the spiritual and moral responsibility of the citizenry toward leadership. Adherents of both Islam and Christianity find scriptural mandates instructing believers to pray for those in authority. Proponents of this principle suggest that constant criticism breeds negativity, whereas constructive prayers and civic support can guide leaders to make patriotic decisions for the common good.

However, secular analysts and civil society groups emphasize that democracy thrives on active accountability. They argue that while personal faith and prayers are vital for individual comfort, citizens must also utilise constitutional avenues—such as peaceful advocacy, objective criticism, and the ballot box—to demand transparent and responsive governance.

Ultimately, the true measure of the current administration will depend on whether its long-term structural reforms can successfully translate into tangible prosperity and relief for the everyday Nigerian.

Suleiman Raji Saidu,

Otutu Quarters, Okene,