CSOs warn on Nigeria democracy threats, urging reforms on civic space, poverty, and electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections
CSOs warn on Nigeria democracy threats as the country edges closer to the 2027 general elections, citing critical risks that could destabilize democratic progress if left unaddressed.
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At a national press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) raised the alarm over shrinking civic space, entrenched poverty, and growing distrust in the electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of the organisations—both supported by the MacArthur Foundation—Yemisi Nathaniel, Director of Programmes at WRAPA, and Ita Otabor, Director of Strategy at Centre LSD, urged Nigerian authorities to enact urgent reforms.
“The civic space is the heartbeat of democracy. When it is under siege, freedoms shrink and the foundations of participatory democracy and accountable governance are painfully eroded,” Nathaniel said.
The groups expressed concern over rising restrictions targeting journalists, civil society actors, and political activists through hostile regulations, effectively silencing dissent and weakening accountability.
With over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, the CSOs warned that economic hardship continues to be weaponized during elections through vote-buying and inducements.
“Despite Nigeria’s vast human and mineral resources, poverty remains widespread—and it’s exploited during elections,” Otabor said.
The organisations also highlighted growing public skepticism about the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for reform in how the INEC chairman and commissioners are appointed.
“There is a widely held perception of external influence.
The process must inspire confidence and safeguard the neutrality of the electoral umpire,” the joint statement noted.
They presented two policy briefs and a memorandum for constitutional amendments in August 2025, which formed the basis for their Civic Space, Poverty, and Election Project (CISPEN).
According to the CSOs, the next phase of the CISPEN Project will involve:
- Nationwide civic education campaigns
- Building broader coalitions with grassroots and civil society groups
- Engaging policymakers, INEC, judiciary, and security agencies
“Democracy cannot thrive in Nigeria without civic freedoms, empowered citizens free from poverty, and credible electoral institutions,” they emphasized.
The CSOs’ warning comes amid broader economic hardship.
In a related development, several groups condemned the 44.5% year-on-year rise in cooking gas prices, from ₦14,261 in July 2024 to ₦20,609 in July 2025.
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, described the surge as a “bad signal,” warning that it would push families to unsafe energy alternatives like charcoal and firewood—worsening environmental and public health risks.
“This will only deepen poverty and widen inequality,” Mamedu warned.
Similarly, Christian Aid Nigeria’s Munachi Ugochukwu urged urgent government intervention, calling for dialogue among stakeholders to stabilize pricing and resolve industry conflicts.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the CSOs warn on Nigeria democracy threats with a clear message: no democracy can survive without free civic engagement, economic justice, and electoral trust.
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Their call to action targets not just the government, but also civil society, voters, and institutions tasked with upholding the democratic framework.
