Democracy Day 2026: (June 12 Reflections)ThinkStartUp CEO, AbdulRauf, says Nigeria faces “Crisis of Confidence”, urges PBAT to fix Energy Sector
Democracy Day 2026:
ThinkStartUp CEO, AbdulRauf
Says Nigeria Faces “Crisis of Confidence”, Urges PBAT to Fix Energy Sector*
By Babatunde Aremu
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Chief Executive of ThinkStartUp Beyond Borders Inc., Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf FCS, has described the country as grappling with a “crisis of confidence” 33 years after the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
In a statement released on Thursday, Abdulrauf recalled that on 12 June 1993 Nigerians voted massively for unity and progress under the late MKO Abiola. He said Abiola promised a government close to the people, but decades of democratic rule have failed to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“What went wrong? Why are we here today? We are still battling to give Nigerians the benefits of democracy while key actors enjoy the game. It is a dilemma of a country in perpetual self-inflicted servitude,” he stated.
AbdulRauf said concerns raised by Nigerians over the years — energy shortages, economic hardship, insecurity, and welfare of the poor — remain unresolved. He criticized government communication for focusing narrowly on Abuja’s perspective instead of citizens’ hopes and vision.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration to prioritize energy, calling it the immediate test of national unity.
“The energy crisis is real and a clear danger to our nation. From now on, every new addition to our demand for energy must be met from domestic production and reserves,” he said.
Abdulrauf commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the Dangote Refinery but called for more refineries across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He also urged government to cushion the poor with rebates on transport and energy costs.
He advised PBAT to open government to professionals, experts, private sector players, high-net-worth individuals, and the diaspora. According to him, no legislation can fix Nigeria’s problems without listening to the people.
“There is a growing doubt about the meaning of our lives and loss of unity of purpose. Confidence founded our nation, but Nigerians are losing faith not only in government but in their ability to shape democracy,” Abdulrauf noted.
He warned that symptoms of the crisis include declining voter turnout, falling worker productivity, low savings, and growing disrespect for institutions.
Abdulrauf said Nigeria stands at a turning point: one path leads to fragmentation and self-interest, the other to common purpose and restoration of national values.
“The strength we need will not come from Abuja, but from every house in Nigeria. Let your voice be heard. Stop abusing your country. With God’s help, it is time to join hands for a rebirth of the Nigerian spirit,” he concluded.
