By Nkechi Eze
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have urged Nigerians to deepen their participation in democratic governance by engaging public institutions, demanding accountability and exercising their rights beyond election periods.
According to a statement signed by the Director of The Electoral Hub, Princess Abijah Hamman-Obels, the organisations made the call to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Democracy, observed annually on September 15.
The statement said the annual observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of democracy and renew commitment to strengthening democratic governance through participation, human rights, gender equity, inclusion, transparency and responsive public institutions.
The organisations said this year’s United Nations theme, “When Every Voice Counts, Democracy Delivers,” underscores the need to place citizens at the centre of democratic governance by ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to be heard, access information, influence decisions and hold those in power accountable.
“Democracy must go beyond the right to vote by creating meaningful opportunities for people to be heard, access information, influence decisions, engage public institutions, and hold those in power accountable,” the statement said.
IRIAD and The Electoral Hub stressed that democracy should not be viewed solely as an electoral process, noting that credible, inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections must be complemented by effective lawmaking, transparent budgeting, public consultations, oversight, civic engagement, access to information and efficient public service delivery.
“Do not wait for election day to exercise your democratic power. Your voice matters every day,” the organisations told Nigerians.
They urged citizens to actively engage their representatives, participate in community decisions, seek information, challenge injustice and demand accountability from public institutions.
The organisations also emphasised the importance of human rights to democratic participation, noting that freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, equity and non-discrimination are essential to sustaining democratic societies.
“Where people cannot speak freely, organise, access information, or challenge decisions, democracy is weakened,” they said.
They further called for greater inclusion of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in political and public life, noting that these groups continue to face social, economic, political and institutional barriers.
On gender equity, the organisations said women should be recognised as leaders, decision-makers and policymakers rather than being treated merely as voters or campaign mobilisers.
“Representation must translate into influence, and inclusion must create meaningful opportunities for women to shape the decisions that affect their lives and communities,” they said.
The organisations called on governments to create meaningful platforms for citizen participation, protect civic space and fundamental rights, and ensure that public policies and services respond to the needs of citizens.
They also urged parliamentarians and legislators to strengthen laws protecting human rights, exercise effective oversight and create legislative spaces where citizens’ voices can influence decisions.
In particular, they called for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, stressing that greater representation of women is critical to democratic legitimacy.
Political parties were equally urged to open their structures to women, young people, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups by removing barriers to political leadership and promoting transparent internal processes.
The organisations tasked civil society organisations with amplifying marginalised voices, promoting civic education, monitoring public institutions and defending human rights, while urging the media and digital platforms to promote accurate and responsible information.
They warned that misinformation and disinformation could undermine democratic participation and erode public trust in institutions.
IRIAD and The Electoral Hub said the quality of democracy should ultimately be assessed not only by how leaders are elected but by whether citizens can influence decisions, exercise their rights, access essential services and participate equitably in shaping their communities and country.
“Gender equity, inclusion, human rights, accountability, and responsive governance are not separate from democracy; they are fundamental to making democracy work,” the statement said.
They called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to a democracy that listens, protects rights, values every voice and delivers inclusive, equitable, transparent and accountable governance.
“When every voice counts, democracy delivers,” the organisations said.
