The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, declaring that democracy in the country was won through sacrifice and resilience rather than handed over freely.
According to an official signed statement by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said June 12 remains a defining symbol of courage, resistance and the enduring quest for justice, accountability and popular sovereignty in Nigeria.
Commemorating Democracy Day, CISLAC honoured a long list of pro-democracy activists, political leaders, labour advocates, academics and civil society actors whose sacrifices contributed to the restoration and consolidation of democratic governance in the country.
Among those recognised were Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Professor Eskor Toyo, Professor Festus Iyayi, Comrade Chima Ubani, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Comrade Emma Ezeazu, Professor Abubakar Momoh, Dr. Bala Yusuf Usman, Innocent Chukwuma, Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulraheem, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson and several other democracy advocates.
The organisation also paid tribute to the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference and numerous unnamed patriots whose efforts helped shape Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and peaceful political transitions, CISLAC warned that democracy must be measured by its ability to deliver security, justice, economic prosperity and inclusive development rather than by the conduct of elections alone.
The organisation expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and farmer-herder conflicts as major threats to national stability and democratic consolidation.
It called for urgent and comprehensive security reforms anchored on intelligence gathering, accountability and preventive measures to protect lives and property.
CISLAC also highlighted the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians, pointing to rising inflation, unemployment and the increasing cost of living. While acknowledging the objectives of recent economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, the organisation stressed the need for people-centred policies that protect vulnerable citizens and reduce inequality.
The group further warned that persistent youth unemployment and underemployment pose significant risks to national stability, urging government at all levels to invest strategically in education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture and industrial development.
On corruption, CISLAC described the menace as a major impediment to democratic governance and sustainable development, noting that it continues to erode public trust and divert resources away from critical sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.
The organisation called for stronger anti-corruption institutions, protection for whistleblowers, transparent procurement systems and sustained political commitment to accountability and transparency.
CISLAC also raised concerns about electoral integrity, citing vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout and the growing influence of money politics. It further criticised weaknesses in internal party democracy, including candidate imposition and manipulated party primaries, and urged reforms to strengthen democratic representation.
The organisation expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, noting challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, rising service costs and the growing number of out-of-school children.
It also warned about shrinking civic space, declining public confidence in public institutions and concerns surrounding judicial independence and access to justice.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, CISLAC urged government, political actors, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to recommit themselves to transparency, accountability, participation and respect for the rule of law.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democratic future would ultimately be judged not by the survival of elections alone, but by the extent to which democracy improves the dignity, safety and prosperity of the people.
