By Barikui Felix
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), a non-governmental organisation, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver the long-promised dividends of democracy. The group decried growing frustration among citizens who, despite decades of civilian rule, continue to grapple with poverty, insecurity, and poor governance.
In a statement commemorating both the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993, election and the 26th year of uninterrupted democratic governance, CAPPA observed that while Nigeria has held regular elections since 1999, these have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Despite periodic elections and some incremental gains, Nigeria is still far from translating votes into real progress that uplifts its people, guarantees their rights and choices, and inspires hope,” the group said.
According to CAPPA, public institutions have failed in the management of collective resources, leaving basic services in disrepair and deepening the disconnect between government and citizens.
“Social and economic poverty is now pervasive,” the statement noted. “The rise of youth-led protests across the country is a reflection of how close Nigerians are to the edge of survival.”
The organisation said essential services like water, housing, education, healthcare, and electricity remain largely inaccessible, with the costs of privatised services now beyond the reach of most citizens.
“In 2024, nearly 130 million Nigerians lived below the poverty line, and another 13 million are expected to join them as the cost-of-living crisis worsens,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA. “Our situation is a national outrage, especially for a country endowed with natural resources, fertile land, and skilled human capital.”
CAPPA also warned that the country’s institutions and civil liberties are under threat. It accused anti-corruption agencies, the legislature, and even the judiciary of succumbing to political interference, undermining their independence and effectiveness.
The group further condemned attempts by some state governments to restrict free speech and peaceful assembly by limiting protests to designated areas, citing recent actions in Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory as troubling examples.
“Activists, journalists, students, unionists, and all citizens must be able to freely express themselves,” the statement stressed. “Any violence or persecution against them for exercising their constitutional rights is a direct assault on democracy.”
CAPPA called for the immediate withdrawal of what it described as “trumped-up terrorism charges” against young Nigerians arrested during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. It also urged the restoration of civic spaces for open and meaningful public engagement.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, CAPPA expressed concern over continued partisan interference in Nigeria’s electoral process. It welcomed proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 as crucial opportunities to strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and enhance citizens’ participation.
The group supported removing the Presidency’s power to appoint electoral commissioners, insisting that this change is necessary to prevent political manipulation of the electoral body. It added that the expiration of the current INEC leadership’s tenure in November 2025 offers a critical chance to appoint a successor through an open and merit-based process.
“Failure to act risks another electoral cycle rigged from the outset,” the statement warned.
CAPPA urged the National Assembly to complete electoral and constitutional reforms by 2025 to avoid a last-minute rush. It also called for reforms that institutionalise accountability and participatory governance.
“President Tinubu and lawmakers must ensure that all eligible voters, including those in the diaspora, can cast their votes without being hindered by logistical or systemic barriers,” the group stated.
It concluded by urging clarity on result transmission in the Electoral Act, stressing the importance of real-time electronic transmission to boost electoral transparency and public trust.
