Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile — Civil Society Situation Room warns, citing insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, and shrinking civic space.
The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, has raised concerns over the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy, citing weak institutions, electoral distrust, insecurity, and worsening economic conditions as major threats to democratic consolidation.
The statement, delivered by Celestine Odo, Programme Manager at ActionAid Nigeria, was issued in Abuja on Monday, September 15, 2025, to commemorate this year’s International Day of Democracy with the theme “From Value to Action.”
According to the group, Nigeria stands at a crucial crossroads, 26 years after its return to civil rule in 1999, yet still grapples with institutional weaknesses and citizens’ disillusionment.
“Democracy in Nigeria remains fragile, marked by systemic corruption, political repression, and shrinking civic space,” Odo said. “Instead of strengthening participation, we are witnessing harassment of journalists, targeting of civil society, and the weakening of electoral institutions.”
The group also criticized the state of the economy, pointing to rising debt, inflation, a weakened naira, and worsening poverty as signs that democracy is failing to deliver on citizens’ expectations.
Insecurity
On insecurity, the Situation Room noted that terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Taraba continue to undermine stability despite government interventions.
Electoral integrity was another concern. While acknowledging the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, which has seen millions of new applications, the group warned of technical glitches, insecurity, and low turnout in some regions, describing these as threats to inclusiveness.
State of Emergency in Rivers State
The Situation Room condemned the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State, calling it “executive overreach and a troubling erosion of democratic norms.” It also expressed concern over the continued denial of legislative access to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a violation of representation.
As Nigeria prepares for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Ondo States, the group urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and credible polls.
“Nigeria’s democracy stands at a crossroads. Its future will depend on addressing economic inequality, restoring electoral integrity, and fostering inclusive governance,” the statement concluded.
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