Nigeria’s Democracy Under Threat, Civil Society Warns On Democracy Day
As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised serious alarm over what it describes as a steady collapse of accountable governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a strongly-worded statement to commemorate Democracy Day, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, warned that the country is witnessing a dangerous regression in democratic values, with institutions weakening, public trust eroding, and authoritarian tendencies on the rise.
“Instead of building on past democratic gains, we are drifting into a model of governance driven by unaccountable leadership, weakened institutions, killings, and the total exclusion of citizens from decision-making,” Rafsanjani said.
Electoral Disillusionment
CISLAC highlighted the growing distrust in Nigeria’s electoral process, citing rampant vote-buying, voter suppression, and judicial interference as evidence that elections are becoming a tool for state capture rather than true representation.
“Elections are increasingly meaningless to the average citizen. Political parties have lost ideology and discipline—they’ve become platforms for elite deals and self-interest,” the organisation stated.
Corruption and Insecurity
The group also expressed deep concern over unchecked corruption at the state level, worsened by weak legislative oversight and lack of transparency. It called for decentralised anti-corruption mechanisms and stronger local accountability.
On insecurity, CISLAC criticised the federal government’s failure to present a clear national strategy, saying, “Citizens are still unsafe, and promises of change remain unfulfilled.”
Shrinking Civic Space and Economic Woes
The statement further condemned ongoing clampdowns on activists, journalists, and civil society groups, calling it a clear sign of intolerance for accountability and a betrayal of democratic ideals.
CISLAC also challenged the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. “Trillions have supposedly been saved, yet Nigerians face skyrocketing costs, rising poverty, and no clear plan for recovery,” Rafsanjani said.
Urgent Call for Reform
In a sobering conclusion, CISLAC urged Nigeria’s leaders to embrace people-focused reforms, rebuild institutions, and protect civil liberties to halt what it calls a dangerous slide into authoritarianism.
“Democracy is not just about elections it is about good governance, rule of law, and citizen participation. Without these, we’re simply pretending,” Rafsanjani warned.
As the country celebrates Democracy Day, many are left questioning: what is left of Nigeria’s democracy, and who will fight to save it?
