Former President Oluse­gun Obasanjo yesterday said that Nigeria’s democracy was gradually maturing.

Obasanjo made the assessment shortly af­ter his accreditation at Ward 11, Unit 22 Olusomi Com­pound polling centre, Sokori area of Abeokuta North Local Government Council Area of the state.

However, he observed a relative slight drop in the turn-out of voters compared to the Presidential/National Assem­bly elections a forthnight ago.

While also assessing the general elections as successful, the two-term former President ex­pressed delight that Nigerians could now raise their heads high in honour anywhere.

“Nigerians can now raise their heads in hon­our anywhere, because there are evidences that our democ­racy is fast maturing,” he said.

He added:” The reports that got to me indicate that there is a general low turn-out across the nation, but that the exercise has been orderly and peaceful.

“Such low turn-out is nor­mal and should be expected because people normally show more interest in national elections than the state elec­tions.

Obasanjo commended the Independent National Elec­toral Commission (INEC) for improving on their last perfor­mance “because many people who did not have PVCs in this area have now gotten their cards.”

According to him, there were apprehensions concern­ing the polls “because of some people who were beat­ing drums of war. But we thank God for taking control,” he said.

“We have done it for West Africa, we have done it for Africa and we have now done it for ourselves. I think on the whole, Nigerians should be proud of their per­formance.”

*Adapted from Sunday Sun, Photo shows Obasanjo