As Nigeria commemorates 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since its return to civilian rule in 1999, the Initiative for Research and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have warned that rising insecurity, deepening economic hardship, electoral malpractice and declining public trust in institutions pose significant threats to the country’s democratic consolidation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, the organisations described this year’s Democracy Day theme, “27 Years of Democratic Governance: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead,” as a timely opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate democratic gains while confronting the realities that continue to challenge the nation’s democratic journey.
The groups stated that Democracy Day should not merely be viewed as a celebration of the longevity of civilian rule but as an important moment for national reflection on whether democratic governance is delivering justice, accountability, inclusion, security and development to citizens.
They noted that as Nigeria moves deeper into the seventh electoral cycle of the Fourth Republic and begins preparations for the 2027 General Election, the country has reached a defining moment where democracy must be protected, strengthened and reimagined with greater urgency and responsibility.
The organisations observed that the forthcoming Ekiti Governorship Election and the approaching Osun Governorship Election have effectively ushered Nigeria into a heightened electoral season, making it imperative for political actors, institutions and citizens to demonstrate responsibility, accountability, restraint and commitment to democratic integrity.
According to the statement, the strength of Nigeria’s democracy will ultimately depend not only on the conduct of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections but also on the resilience of democratic institutions, protection of civic freedoms, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
Reflecting on the country’s democratic trajectory since 1999, IRIAD and The Electoral Hub acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded its longest period of uninterrupted civilian governance, an achievement they attributed to the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations of millions of Nigerians who continue to believe in democracy as the most legitimate pathway to peace, justice, security and sustainable development.
The organisations noted that over the past 27 years, Nigeria has successfully conducted multiple electoral cycles and witnessed peaceful transfers of power between major political parties at both national and sub-national levels. They also highlighted gradual improvements in electoral administration as evidence of democratic progress.
They further commended the role played by civil society organisations, democratic institutions, the media and ordinary citizens in defending democratic values and holding leaders accountable despite numerous challenges confronting the nation.
Particular recognition was given to the growing participation of young people in governance and public discourse, which the organisations described as an encouraging development capable of strengthening accountability, innovation and citizen engagement in public affairs.
While acknowledging these achievements, IRIAD and The Electoral Hub warned that they are increasingly being overshadowed by persistent and emerging threats capable of eroding public confidence in democratic governance.
The statement identified electoral malpractice, including vote buying, vote suppression, political violence, information disorder and the exclusion of vulnerable groups such as women, youths, persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities as some of the major factors undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
The organisations further argued that corruption and the lack of accountability within public institutions remain significant obstacles to effective governance, equitable service delivery and sustainable national development.
They expressed particular concern over the worsening economic conditions facing millions of Nigerians, noting that the impact of recent structural reforms has been accompanied by high inflation, currency devaluation, rising unemployment, escalating fuel prices and increasing food and transportation costs.
According to the groups, although the national minimum wage was increased from N30,000 to N70,000, the adjustment remains insufficient in addressing the severe economic realities confronting many households.
They pointed to international development data indicating that approximately 63 per cent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, lacking adequate access to basic necessities such as healthcare, clean water, sanitation, energy and other essential services.
Beyond economic challenges, the organisations described insecurity as one of the gravest threats to democratic governance in contemporary Nigeria.
They warned that widespread violence, kidnapping, criminality and intimidation across many parts of the country are steadily eroding the freedoms democracy is designed to protect.
According to the statement, insecurity has created an environment where many citizens are unable to move freely, express their opinions openly or participate meaningfully in political and civic activities without fear.
The groups stressed that democratic participation becomes severely constrained when citizens no longer feel safe, noting that shrinking civic space and declining public trust are direct consequences of prolonged insecurity.
They further lamented the continued underrepresentation of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in political leadership and decision-making positions.
The statement also criticised the internal operations of political parties, arguing that many parties continue to struggle with transparency, inclusiveness and internal democracy, thereby limiting opportunities for genuine representation and broader citizen participation.
As preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election, IRIAD and The Electoral Hub called for urgent efforts to reinforce the fundamental pillars upon which democracy rests, including free and fair elections, citizen participation, protection of human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The organisations maintained that democracy remains important because it places power in the hands of the people, guarantees participation, protects fundamental rights, promotes accountability and provides citizens with legitimate avenues to shape their collective future.
They insisted that every vote must count and that citizens must have confidence that election outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the electorate.
According to the statement, elections must be transparent, peaceful, inclusive and free from violence, intimidation, manipulation and vote trading.
The organisations also stressed the need to protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, religion, peaceful assembly and press freedom, warning that no democracy can thrive where rights are selectively applied or where fear replaces freedom.
They further argued that public officials, institutions and political actors must remain accountable under the law, while justice must be impartial, accessible and independent.
Reaffirming their commitment to democratic development, IRIAD and The Electoral Hub pledged to continue promoting electoral knowledge, accountability, integrity and inclusion through research, public education, advocacy and citizen engagement.
The organisations also committed themselves to advancing inclusive civic participation, particularly among women, youths, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, while supporting initiatives aimed at protecting human rights, strengthening democratic freedoms, promoting transparency in governance and building democratic resilience across society.
As part of their Democracy Day message, the groups issued a comprehensive call to action directed at key democratic stakeholders.
They urged governments at all levels to prioritise the protection of lives and property, strengthen civic freedoms, rebuild public confidence in security institutions, address insecurity decisively, combat corruption and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
The organisations also called on electoral institutions to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, independence and transparency throughout the electoral cycle, while ensuring that citizens can participate in elections without fear, coercion or violence.
Political parties and political leaders were challenged to deepen internal democracy, reject violence, vote buying and divisive rhetoric, and create meaningful opportunities for women, youths and marginalised groups to participate in leadership and decision-making processes.
Civil society organisations and the media were equally urged to continue safeguarding civic space through voter education, election observation, fact-checking, advocacy and accountability reporting, particularly at a time when democratic institutions face increasing pressure.
The groups further encouraged citizens to remain engaged, informed and resilient in defending democracy by demanding accountability, rejecting electoral malpractice, participating peacefully in governance processes and defending their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
IRIAD and The Electoral Hub concluded that while Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance deserve recognition, the true measure of democratic success should not be determined by longevity alone but by the quality of governance, security, freedoms, opportunities and justice available to citizens.
They emphasised that only through collective action and sustained commitment can Nigeria build a democracy that guarantees safety, restores public trust, protects freedoms and delivers dignity, inclusion, accountability and sustainable development for all Nigerians.
