Democracy Without Bread: A Nation in Silent Protest -By Yasir Shehu

Today, Nigeria marks another Democracy Day — a day meant to celebrate our return to civilian rule and honor those who fought for our freedom. But for millions of Nigerians, particularly in Bauchi and other parts of the North, this is not a day of joy. It is a day of reflection, even mourning.

There are no festivities in the streets, no jubilant gatherings. Why? Because the people are hungry.

Since the removal of fuel subsidy and the weakening of our currency, basic goods have gone beyond the reach of the average citizen. In Bauchi, a bag of rice now costs more than a month’s earnings for many households. Transportation is out of reach for students and workers. Small businesses are shutting down, not because of poor planning, but because customers simply don’t have money.

This is not what democracy should look like. Democracy isn’t just about free elections or politicians in office — it’s about freedom from want, about leaders providing for their people and ensuring a decent standard of living.

How can we celebrate Democracy Day when students skip meals, parents beg to pay school fees, and hospitals run without power or medicine? When the economy feels like a punishment for the poor while the political class remains comfortable?

What Nigeria needs is not more speeches, but action. Subsidy removal may have been necessary — but what has been done with the savings? Where is the investment in food security, transportation, education, and healthcare?

This editorial is a cry from the ground. From the streets of Bauchi to the slums of Lagos, from the IDP camps in Borno to the farms drying up in Benue — Nigerians are speaking in silence. And that silence is louder than any gunfire.

We cannot eat democracy. Until our leaders realize this, our celebration is hollow.

We demand more than promises. We demand accountability. We demand a democracy that works — not just in theory, but in every Nigerian’s daily life.

Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman) Young journalist and writer from Bauchi.