A special Democracy Day gathering was held at Charles Flame Church, ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS), Jos, bringing together management staff, faculty members, students, newly recruited staff, and fifteen National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members recently posted to the institution.
Welcoming congregation , the Provost of the Seminary, Professor Reuben Turbi, expressed appreciation to members of the seminary management and faculty for their commitment and stewardship during his absence on official assignment. Setting the tone for the event, he posed a thought-provoking question:
“Are we truly practising democracy, or are we witnessing ‘democrazy’?”
The rhetorical challenge immediately sparked reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic experience and the responsibilities of citizens within it.
The Chaplain, Pastor Yakubu Jenkins, introduced the guest resource person, Mr. H. A., who delivered a stimulating lecture titled:
“Reflections on Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: Seeking the Renewal of the Mind” (Romans 12:1–3)
Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: Historical Perspectives.
The lecture traced Nigeria’s democratic evolution, beginning with the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in the nation’s history. The annulment of that election by the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The speaker examined the political developments that followed, including the “Step Aside” arrangement, the emergence of General Sani Abacha, and the controversial political transition process during which all registered political parties endorsed Abacha as their sole presidential candidate.
Following Abacha’s death in 1998, General Abdulsalami Abubakar initiated a transition programme that culminated in the establishment of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999. Today, that republic represents the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic era, marking a significant achievement despite persistent challenges.
Democracy and the Renewal of the Mind: A Theological Reflection
The selection of Romans 12:1–3 as the scriptural foundation for the lecture provided a profound theological framework for understanding democratic responsibility.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul urges believers not to conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed through the renewal of their minds. The lecture emphasized that genuine political transformation is inseparable from moral and spiritual transformation. A healthy democracy ultimately depends upon the character of its citizens.
German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer argued that the strength of a nation lies not merely in its institutions but in the moral responsibility of its people. His resistance to totalitarianism serves as a reminder that Christian faith must engage public life and challenge systems that undermine justice and human dignity.
Similarly, public theologian Miroslav Volf maintains that authentic Christian faith contributes to the common good by fostering reconciliation, justice, and responsible citizenship.
Democracy flourishes when citizens embody virtues such as integrity, accountability, truthfulness, and concern for the welfare of others.
From an African perspective, theologian John Mbiti emphasized the communal nature of African societies. Democratic participation, therefore, extends beyond individual rights; it becomes a collective responsibility directed toward the flourishing of the entire community.
The Role of Institutions in Democratic Consolidation
Mr. H. A. identified three indispensable pillars of democratic governance:
The Judiciary
Political Parties
The Electorate.
An independent judiciary remains the guardian of constitutional order and the rule of law. Political philosopher John Rawls famously observed that justice is the first virtue of social institutions. Where courts remain impartial and courageous, democratic disputes are resolved through legal processes rather than violence or coercion.
Political parties also play a critical role as vehicles of representation and policy competition. However, parties fulfil their democratic mandate only when they prioritize ideology, accountability, and public service above personal ambition, patronage, and political opportunism.
Most importantly, the quality of governance in any democracy ultimately reflects the quality of civic participation. Democracy is sustained not merely through periodic elections but through active citizenship, public accountability, and informed engagement.
The speaker therefore encouraged members of the seminary community to participate actively in voter registration exercises and reject the growing culture of voter apathy.
Christian Citizenship and Electoral Participation
The call for electoral participation resonates strongly within contemporary Christian social thought.
Biblical scholar N. T. Wright argues that Christians are called to participate in God’s restorative work within society. Civic engagement, advocacy, and voting become practical expressions of seeking the welfare and flourishing of one’s community.
Likewise, Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper taught that every sphere of life, including politics, exists under God’s sovereign authority. Christians, therefore, cannot withdraw from public affairs; rather, they are called to contribute to the development of just institutions and ethical leadership.
In the Nigerian context, voter apathy remains one of the greatest obstacles to democratic consolidation. When citizens disengage from governance processes, political systems become vulnerable to manipulation by narrow interests. Active participation, informed decision making, and public accountability remain essential components of democratic stewardship.
Dialogue as a Democratic Virtue.
The lecture concluded with an interactive session during which students, faculty members, and staff engaged the speaker through questions and discussions.
Such exchanges represent an important aspect of democratic culture. Political theorist Jürgen Habermas argues that healthy democracies depend upon open dialogue, public reasoning, and informed participation. Democracy extends beyond voting; it involves cultivating a culture of respectful engagement, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship.
The lively interaction demonstrated the value of constructive dialogue in strengthening democratic values within educational and faith communities.
Conclusion.
The Democracy Day lecture served as a timely reminder that Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on constitutional structures and political institutions but also on the moral character of its citizens.
Romans 12:1–3 challenges believers to pursue personal transformation as the foundation for societal renewal. As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the Church has a vital role to play in nurturing ethical leadership, promoting justice, encouraging civic participation, and forming citizens committed to the common good.
The enduring lesson from the gathering is clear: a transformed nation begins with transformed minds. Sustainable democracy requires both strong institutions and morally responsible citizens. It is at this intersection that theology and democracy meet in the pursuit of justice, truth, human dignity, and the flourishing of society.
Cliff Stanley
Political Scientist /Analyst
write from
Jos, Nigeria
ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS)
Email: cliffstanley3@gmail.com. 07032826319