Civil society leaders, democracy activists and development partners during the June 12 Democracy Day dialogue in Abuja.
Civil society leaders and democracy activists have warned that institutions established to protect Nigeria’s democracy are losing credibility and independence, raising concerns about the country’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders sounded the alarm during a Democracy Day dialogue and photo exhibition organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja to commemorate June 12.
They argued that while Nigerians successfully fought military rule and restored democratic governance in 1999, many of the institutions expected to deepen democracy have failed to meet public expectations.
Situation Room Co-Convener, Mma Odi, said civil society organisations, the media and organised labour formed the backbone of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement but have become significantly weaker over the years.
“Civil society, the media and organised labour worked together during the struggle for democracy. Today, all three institutions have been weakened,” she said.
Odi expressed concern over the declining integrity of democratic institutions, warning that many no longer enjoy the public confidence they once commanded.
“The electoral umpires of that era were respected for their integrity. Today, many of the institutions meant to safeguard democracy have been captured,” she added.
Her concerns resonated with other participants who argued that increasing poverty, insecurity and weak governance have further eroded citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
Convener of the dialogue, Yunusa Ya’u, said democracy has not translated into improved living conditions for many Nigerians despite nearly three decades of civilian rule.
According to him, public officials continue to operate with little accountability while citizens struggle with rising unemployment, hunger and economic hardship.
“Civilian rule does not automatically translate into democratisation. We have witnessed increasing impunity, weak accountability and a growing disconnect between leaders and citizens,” Ya’u said.
Former lawmaker and democracy activist, Abdul Oroh, recalled the sacrifices made by pro-democracy campaigners during military rule and lamented that electoral reforms have remained largely unimplemented.
Executive Director of the Ene Obi Centre for Development, Ene Obi, urged civil society organisations to rebuild citizen engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that democratic decline could worsen if Nigerians remain passive.
She called for nationwide mobilisation around electoral reforms, security and governance issues to ensure credible elections.
Founder of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, acknowledged improvements in electoral inclusion for persons with disabilities but said authorities have not translated policy commitments into meaningful outcomes.
“On election day, we still do not see the full realisation of inclusive participation and outcomes. We must move beyond rhetoric to action,” he said.
Situation Room Co-Convener, Celestine Odo, also raised concerns about the changing role of the media, noting that the press played a more resilient role during the struggle against military rule.
“The print media provided undiluted information during the struggle for democracy. Unfortunately, the media is not as resilient today as it was then,” Odo said.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, acknowledged the challenges Nigeria has faced over the past 27 years but commended civil society groups for sustaining public conversations on democratic governance.
The event featured an exhibition of archival newspaper reports, photographs and historical records documenting the contributions of pro-democracy activists, journalists and civil society groups to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Participants urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and warned that continued weakening of democratic institutions could deepen political instability and public disillusionment ahead of the 2027 elections.
About The Author
