Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has cautioned against attempts to attribute Nigeria’s democratic journey to any single individual, insisting that the country’s democratic gains were achieved through the collective sacrifices of many unnamed heroes.
Soyinka made the remarks at the NADECO Awards ceremony and the public presentation of a book chronicling the history of the pro-democracy struggle, authored by former NADECO General Secretary, Ayo Opadokun.
According to him, Nigeria’s return to democratic rule was not the product of one personality but the outcome of coordinated resistance, personal sacrifices, and contributions from diverse actors whose roles may never be fully documented in history.
“No one here can single out any particular political figure as solely responsible for the achievements recorded,” he said, stressing that many contributors to the struggle acted in ways that may never be fully captured in official records.
The playwright praised the new publication on the history of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), describing it as a timely intervention that helps correct distorted narratives around Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
He said the documentation would not only preserve history but also serve as a guide for governance, especially for leaders expected to uphold the ideals for which the democratic struggle was fought.
Soyinka also reflected on the difficult years of exile and underground activism experienced by NADECO members, recalling their stay in Paris where resources were scarce and survival depended largely on limited external support and collective resilience.
“We were permanently short of resources… but we managed whatever little assistance we could get. The encouragement from friends and associates kept us going,” he said.
Despite the hardships, he noted that the movement remained sustained by faith and conviction that Nigeria would eventually overcome authoritarian rule.
He further urged caution in the narration of Nigeria’s democratic history, warning that misrepresentation could distort public understanding and diminish the sacrifices of key actors, including those who later withdrew from public life without recognition.
Soyinka also called on President Bola Tinubu to consolidate and preserve the democratic foundations laid by the struggle generation, urging continued commitment to strengthening national institutions.
“One of the greatest responsibilities before this nation today is to preserve the structures that sustain peace, justice, and democratic governance,” he added.
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