As United States voters turn out for the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, a civil rights leader, Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, has issued a call for vigilance in safeguarding democracy.
Her remarks, alongside those of U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, highlighted the shared democratic challenges and aspirations between the United States and Nigeria.
The duo spoke at a press conference organised by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday.
Jefferson-Jenkins, a prominent advocate for voting rights and racial equality, invoked her family’s history of struggle against voter suppression to illustrate how democracy requires constant effort and resilience.
“My grandmother, who worked long days and taught others to write so they could sign their names to vote, didn’t gain the right to vote without a poll tax until she was 62,” she recounted.
Now a committed voter for over five decades, Jefferson-Jenkins described her choice to vote in person, a tradition she maintains to honor her family’s legacy.
She noted, “This is an election where the people will be redefined, where the power of the people will be made evident at all levels.”
Jefferson-Jenkins also addressed present-day threats to democracy, warning against political polarisation, misinformation, and barriers to voting access, which she described as rising global concerns that erode public trust.
“This is not just a presidential election; it’s a moment in history,” she said, urging both American and Nigerian citizens to engage with the democratic process.
She called democracy “a human endeavour,” grounded in participation and resilience, that relies on people stepping up to confront its imperfections.
“Our work as citizens and our dedication to democracy define the future. Democracy can be messy, but it is worth the effort,” Jefferson-Jenkins added.
Mills echoed her sentiments, pointing to Nigeria’s recent election as a testament to the importance of elections in affirming the will of the people.
He praised Nigerian civil society organisations, journalists, and educators who work tirelessly to strengthen democratic values, underscoring that the US Mission is committed to supporting good governance in Nigeria through partnerships and outreach.
He said, “Today, as Americans vote in the US general elections, we are reminded of the significance of this democratic process, one that has defined our nation for nearly 250 years.
“Elections lie at the heart of democracy, offering citizens the chance to shape their government, voice their aspirations, and hold leaders accountable.
“In both the United States and Nigeria, elections are a critical tool for upholding democratic values and ensuring governance that reflects the will and welfare of the people.”
