CAPPA Warns As Low Voter Turnout Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy
Democracy flourishes when citizens remain actively engaged, but rising political apathy is steadily weakening Nigeria’s democratic foundations, according to a new opinion by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
In the piece titled Democracy Needs Active Citizens, Chidinma Eferebo, a Project Assistant at CAPPA, argues that while poor governance and corruption often attract criticism, democracy also suffers when citizens withdraw from the electoral process and civic engagement.
The article notes that worsening economic hardship, social exclusion, broken political promises and distrust in public institutions have contributed to declining voter turnout, which fell to about 35 per cent in 2019 and roughly 27 per cent during the 2023 general election.
It warns that low participation strengthens narrow political interests while weakening public accountability.
Eferebo highlights the role of young Nigerians, recalling the political awakening sparked by the #EndSARS movement and the enthusiasm witnessed during the 2023 elections.
However, she cautions that frustration with electoral outcomes should not translate into political withdrawal, stressing that sustained civic engagement, policy advocacy and active participation remain essential to building a more accountable democracy.
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