- Kaseem Balarabe criticizes Nigeria’s democracy as disappointing, noting the struggles since returning to democratic rule and current hardships
- Kaseem urges President Tinubu to step aside if unable to lead effectively, highlighting severe economic challenges faced by Nigerians
Kaseem Balarabe, son of the late Balarabe Musa, founder of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has described Nigeria’s democracy as a disappointment. Reflecting on the nation’s struggles since its return to democratic rule, he stated that it is currently experiencing one of its darkest periods.
Kaseem paid tribute to the pro-democracy activists, including his late father, who fought against military rule to ensure the establishment of democracy in Nigeria. He expressed his disillusionment, noting that many leaders who championed good governance through democracy endured imprisonment and family trauma, yet their vision for a better Nigeria remains unfulfilled.
He remarked, “Nigeria’s democracy is a disappointment in the sense that our parents, Late Balarabe Musa and late Gani Fawehinmi, and other pro-democracy activists who fought for democracy, expected it to improve the lives of Nigerians after the military era, but that is not the case.”
Kaseem highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had sacrificed his resources alongside others to ensure the return of democracy, now had the best opportunity to improve the country but has failed to address its challenges effectively. He pointed out the severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians, mentioning that a bag of maize now costs almost ₦100,000, making necessities unaffordable.
In his statement, Kaseem urged President Tinubu to step aside if he is unable to lead Nigeria to the promised land, emphasizing the need for leadership that can meet the aspirations of the people.