June 12: CAPPA Urges Tinubu’s Government To Deliver On Democracy’s Promises
As Nigeria marks 32 years since the pivotal June 12, 1993 election and 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to deliver tangible democratic dividends to the Nigerian people.
In a strongly worded statement, the organisation expressed deep concern over the worsening state of poverty, insecurity, and governance, stating that despite holding regular elections since 1999, many Nigerians are still battling for basic survival in a system that has yet to deliver real change.
“Our democracy must mean more than casting ballots every four years,” said CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi. “We need progress that lifts people out of poverty, protects their rights, and gives them hope.”
CAPPA noted that public trust in institutions continues to erode as basic services water, education, electricity, housing, and healthcare — remain inaccessible to many, worsened by failed privatisation policies that have pushed costs beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
The group pointed out that nearly 130 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, with millions more at risk due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Beyond economic concerns, the organisation also raised alarm over the shrinking civic space.
It condemned the growing use of court orders to suppress protests and restrict freedom of expression, especially in Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory.
CAPPA called such tactics a threat to democracy and demanded the release of young Nigerians arrested during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.
“Free speech is not a privilege it is a constitutional right,” the statement read. “Democracy means being able to speak out, organise, and demand accountability without fear.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, CAPPA called for urgent electoral reforms to ensure credible polls.
The group welcomed moves in the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act and Constitution, but warned that unless INEC’s independence is guaranteed and political interference curbed especially in the appointment of electoral commissioners trust in the system will continue to erode.
With the tenure of the current INEC leadership ending in November 2025, CAPPA urged that a new chair be selected through a transparent, non-partisan process to safeguard the credibility of future elections.
The statement signed by the Media and Communication Officer, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Robert Egbe, concluded with “the time to act is now,”. “Let’s not wait for another rushed reform cycle. Let’s institutionalise accountability, protect civic space, and make democracy real for all Nigerians.”
