By: Patience Gabriel Gutus
Nigeria is bleeding silently.
Not just from hunger, hardship, banditry, and insecurity,but from betrayal.
They told us democracy means government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
They told us primary elections were the only chance for citizens to choose those who would represent them in the general elections.
But today, democracy has lost its voice, and power has taken its place.
People stand for hours under the scorching sun just to vote.
Some travel from far villages, spending the little transport money they struggled to get.
They leave their homes with hope, believing their voices matter.
But at the end, their choices are ignored like they never existed.
Candidates are imposed on the people.
Power speaks louder than the citizens.
Money speaks louder than competence.
Connections matter more than credibility.
It is no longer about who the people want, it is about who knows powerful people.
Who is the “government candidate.”
Who can manipulate the system.
And while politicians fight desperately for power, ordinary Nigerians fight desperately to survive.
The mother who cannot afford food does not care about political games anymore.
The father who works tirelessly but still cannot provide for his family is exhausted.
The graduate roaming the streets without a job is losing hope.
Children sleep hungry while leaders travel with heavy convoys.
Villages live in fear of bandits and kidnappers while those in authority make empty promises.
The rich get richer from politics, while the poor grow poorer from bad leadership.
The people cry for help, but those in power celebrate victory.
What kind of democracy ignores the pain of its own citizens?
How did we get here?
At what point did leadership become oppression?
At what point did public service become personal business?
Where did we keep our conscience?
A nation so blessed should not be drowning in suffering.
A country filled with talented, hardworking people should not be begging to survive.
Our problem is no longer lack of resources, but lack of conscience.
The painful part is that the people still keep hoping.
They still come out to vote.
They still believe change is possible.
Yet every election season, their voices are silenced by intimidation, manipulation, and power.
Democracy is not about forcing leaders on the people.
It is not about money, fear, or influence.
True democracy is about justice, fairness, accountability, and respect for the people’s choice.
Nigeria does not need leaders who are desperate for power.
Nigeria needs leaders with conscience.
Leaders who fear God.
Leaders who understand that leadership is service, not ownership.
Until votes truly count,
until leaders begin to value human lives more than political ambition,
until power returns to the people,
our democracy will remain only a word, not reality.
And one day, the voices ignored today,
the tears of struggling families,
the frustration of unemployed youths,
and the cries of hungry Nigerians
will become too loud to silence.
May God heal Nigeria.
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