Democracy that will pass the test of time and gain mass approval must be centred around the people, immediate past Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said.

Osinbajo made the point on Tuesday in Yola while delivering a lecture entitled "Democracy and Development: The Imperative of People-Centred Governance," as part of activities marking the 59th birthday of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, stressing that democracy is all about the people.

Democratic governance, he said, must be participatory and accountable, with officials of government ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for the citizens.

Making references to survey findings indicating that although many Africans prefer democracy, public satisfaction with its performance remained low, Osinbajo attributed this to economic inequality and poor living conditions that prevail under democracies.

Stating that democratic institutions can only retain public trust when citizens experience meaningful improvements in their living conditions, Osinbajo urged leaders to embrace people-centred governance by addressing economic hardship, tackling corruption, and restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.

The former vice president praised Fintiri for letting his birthday become an opportunity for discussions on Nigeria’s democratic development.

The Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas who was the chairman of the occasion, advised political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect citizens’ rights, and allow them freedom to express their opinions without such opinions being viewed as an attack.

Cautioning against the use of public resources and government institutions to suppress dissent, Kefas stressed that democracy thrives when citizens not only freely choose their leaders but are also in a position to question their actions.

"Public trust grows when leaders fulfil their responsibilities and citizens exercise their rights responsibly," Kefas asserted.

In his own remark, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said his birthday provided him an opportunity to express his gratitude to God and sober reflection on his contributions to society, adding that his experiences as a husband, father, businessman and politician have offered him opportunities to serve humanity.

Fintiri announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation after leaving office, explaining that the foundation would be providing scholarships and other forms of help to vulnerable members of society.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin who was the guest of honour at Fintiri's birthday lecture, emphasised the importance of effective communication between government and citizens in strengthening democratic governance and encouraging public participation.

He called for improved public communication to help citizens understand government policies and projects as well as challenges of governance, for better public understanding and appreciation.

Dignitaries at the lecture included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as governors of the states of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.

True democracy must be people-centred – Osinbajo

The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has urged residents of Bichi Federal Constituency in Kano State to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, warning that ongoing development projects could be abandoned if the president is not re-elected.

Bichi said many of the projects being executed in Bichi and other parts of Kano were made possible through the support and approval of the federal government.

He spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the Bichi chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election.

“If you vote for me and do not vote for President Tinubu, there is a problem. Most of these development projects are coming to Bichi and Kano through his consent; there's no other magic,” he said.

The lawmaker said a member of the National Assembly could not execute major development projects without the support and approval of the executive arm of government.

“No matter how a representative wants to work, without the approval of the executive, he cannot do it. If you don't vote for Tinubu, all these ongoing projects will be abandoned,” he added.

Bichi said the development recorded in the constituency over the last seven and a half years would have been difficult for many people to imagine in 2019.

According to him, the projects were part of efforts to change the attitude of residents towards elections and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.

He said some people previously refused to vote because they believed their votes did not count and did not see the impact of elected officials' work.

Bichi urged residents to support the APC in 2027, calling on Bichi residents and Kano North, which has 1.3 million registered voters, to deliver not less than 1 million votes for the party.

He also expressed support for Tinubu, saying the president had demonstrated commitment to the North through development projects.

“Tinubu loves the North. If he did not, he would not be doing all these things,” he said.

Bichi also referred to former President Muhammadu Buhari's emergence as president in 2015, saying Tinubu played an important role in the process.

On insecurity, the lawmaker acknowledged that residents remained concerned about the situation but said there had been a gradual improvement.

He cited the Kaduna-Abuja road as an example, claiming that insecurity along the route had reduced.

Also, speaking, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, called on members of the APC in Bichi to promote peaceful campaigns, inclusive governance and grassroots participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, said Nigeria was recovering from its challenges, noting that the process of healing could come with pain.

“The country has been seriously injured and is in the process of recovery. For a wound to heal, it has to pass through pain,” he said.

Ongoing projects may be abandoned if you dont vote Tinubu – Kano Rep, Bichi