Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have issued a stark warning about the future of Nigeria’s democracy, citing entrenched poverty, shrinking civic space, and eroding trust in electoral institutions as critical threats that must be urgently addressed before the 2027 general elections.
At a national press conference held in Abuja, representatives from the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), supported by the MacArthur Foundation, unveiled findings from the Civic Space, Poverty & Election (CISPEN) Project—a reform-driven initiative aimed at strengthening democratic governance.
“Democracy cannot thrive in Nigeria without civic freedoms, empowered citizens free from poverty, and credible electoral institutions,” said Yemisi Nathaniel, Director of Programmes at WRAPA.
The CSOs highlighted that over 133 million Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty, a condition that not only undermines human dignity but also fuels electoral manipulation through vote-buying and inducements. Despite Nigeria’s vast mineral and human resources, the paradox of poverty in abundance remains a persistent challenge.
Equally troubling is the shrinking civic space, where journalists, activists, and human rights defenders face increasing restrictions under hostile regulations such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020) and the Cybercrime Act. These laws, the CSOs argue, are being used undemocratically to silence dissent and limit independent organizing.
On electoral credibility, the organisations called for urgent reforms to the appointment process of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership. They proposed a transparent, multi-stakeholder selection process to restore public confidence and ensure neutrality in election management.
“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,” said Ita Otabor, Director of Strategy at Centre LSD.