CAPPA: Nigeria’s 66th Anniversary Must Deliver Democracy That Improves Lives
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary should be a moment to measure democracy by the quality of life it delivers to citizens, rather than by political milestones alone, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has said.
In a statement ahead of the October 1 anniversary, CAPPA urged the Federal Government and state governments to prioritise security, affordable food, decent jobs, healthcare, quality education, reliable electricity, public water and social protection.
The organisation acknowledged Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian government, but said persistent poverty, food insecurity, insecurity and declining trust in public institutions remained major concerns.
CAPPA cited International Monetary Fund figures showing that 63 per cent of Nigerians were living below the national poverty line, while about 27 million Nigerians faced food insecurity in late 2025.
It said economic reforms should ultimately be judged by whether they improve household incomes, reduce hardship and expand opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians.
With the 2027 elections approaching, CAPPA also called for peaceful, transparent and inclusive polls, urging INEC, political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to address vote-buying, intimidation, electoral manipulation and insecurity.
The group stressed that democracy must extend beyond elections, calling for protection of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, civic participation and the rights of journalists and civil society organisations.
CAPPA further urged government to strengthen public institutions, improve oversight of public spending, tackle corruption and invest in essential services rather than allow their continued deterioration.
It called on Nigerians to scrutinise political promises, demand accountability and reject attempts to divide citizens along ethnic, religious or regional lines.
CAPPA said the 66th anniversary should mark a turning point towards a Nigeria where government works for the people and democracy produces tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
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