Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has cautioned against crediting Nigeria’s democratic progress to any single individual, stressing that it was achieved through the collective efforts and sacrifices of many unnamed patriots.
He made the remarks at the NADECO Awards ceremony and the launch of a book on the history of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), authored by its former General Secretary, Ayo Opadokun.
Soyinka stated that Nigeria’s democratic journey cannot be attributed to one political figure, noting that numerous people contributed in significant but often unrecognized ways. According to him, many of these contributions were spontaneous and may never be fully captured in historical records.
He described Opadokun’s book as an important and timely work that helps correct misleading narratives about key figures in the pro-democracy struggle. He added that it serves not only as a historical account but also as a guide for better governance by reminding leaders of the ideals behind the democratic struggle.
Soyinka also praised the book for acknowledging activists who played vital roles in the movement but later withdrew from public life without receiving due recognition. He reflected on the challenging years NADECO members spent in exile, particularly in Paris, where they operated under severe financial constraints.
He recalled that the group survived on limited resources and relied heavily on the support of friends and associates, which helped sustain their struggle. Despite the hardships, he said they remained hopeful, driven by faith and belief that Nigeria would eventually overcome its difficulties.
While welcoming efforts to document NADECO’s history, Soyinka urged writers and historians to handle Nigeria’s democratic narrative with care, given its sensitivity and the involvement of living individuals.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to preserve and build upon the democratic foundations laid by past activists, emphasizing that maintaining peace, justice, and strong democratic institutions remains a crucial national responsibility.
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