…Says democracy cannot survive on voting alone; accountability and citizen participation must be continuous
The Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, has called on Nigerians to deepen the nation’s democracy by remaining actively engaged in governance long after elections have been concluded.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Prof. Nnamchi made the call while speaking during a live interview on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme themed “Citizens Must Engage Beyond Elections to Strengthen Democracy,” held to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism.
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According to the federal lawmaker, democracy can only thrive when citizens see themselves as active participants in governance rather than passive observers who only emerge during election periods.
He stressed that elections merely mark the beginning of democratic engagement and not its conclusion, emphasizing that sustained citizen participation through dialogue, oversight, and demands for accountability is essential for good governance.
“Citizens must remain involved through dialogue, oversight, and demands for accountability between elections. A democracy of spectators becomes a democracy of spectacle, not service,” Prof. Nnamchi stated.
Speaking on the relationship between representation and citizen participation, the lawmaker noted that the two must complement each other for democracy to deliver meaningful results.
“Representation without participation becomes hollow. When citizens disappear after voting, institutions grow distant and accountability weakens. But participation without effective representation becomes noise. We need both working together,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Prof. Nnamchi urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to move beyond activism and embrace informed civic engagement by participating actively in the policymaking process.
“Register, get your Permanent Voter Card (PVC), but also ask questions. Attend town hall meetings. Read bills. Track budgets. Democracy is a daily practice, not a seasonal event,” he advised.
The lawmaker further maintained that elected public officials have a responsibility to remain accessible, transparent, and accountable to the people throughout their tenure.
According to him, “Winning an election is only the beginning of representation, not its fulfilment. The mandate is a covenant to serve. Leaders must listen, explain, consult, and deliberate with the people they represent.”
Prof. Nnamchi also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to his “People First – Let’s Do It Better” philosophy, stating that every bill, motion, and constituency intervention he undertakes is driven by the desire to make government more responsive to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
He concluded by urging citizens to remain committed to democratic values through continuous engagement, insisting that only an informed and participatory citizenry can guarantee accountable leadership and a stronger democratic future for Nigeria.
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