The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government to deliver the long-promised benefits of democracy to Nigerians, stating that many citizens are still waiting for tangible improvements in their lives.
In a statement released on Wednesday to mark the 32nd anniversary of the 1993 elections and 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria, CAPPA emphasized that democracy should extend beyond periodic elections.
"Democracy should not only be about elections every four years. It should mean real change that improves people's lives, respects their rights, and gives them hope," the organization stated.
Persistent Poverty Despite Democratic Rule
The advocacy group highlighted that millions of Nigerians continue to suffer from inadequate access to basic services including clean water, housing, healthcare, education, and electricity. They criticized government privatization efforts, arguing these have made essential services unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
"In 2024, nearly 130 million Nigerians were living in poverty, and about 13 million more are expected to fall below the poverty line. This is not acceptable for a country with so many natural and human resources," CAPPA's statement read.
Concerns Over Democratic Institutions
CAPPA expressed concern about the independence of key government institutions, including the judiciary, legislature, and anti-corruption agencies, which they claim are under political pressure. The group also condemned attempts by some state governments to restrict protests and silence free speech through court orders.
"Peaceful protest and free expression are rights guaranteed in a democracy. No one should be punished for speaking out," the statement emphasized.
The organization called on the federal government to drop what it described as "trumped-up terrorism charges" against young Nigerians who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027
Looking toward the 2027 general elections, CAPPA urged the National Assembly to complete constitutional and electoral reforms by 2025 to avoid last-minute changes. They specifically called for removing the President's power to appoint electoral commissioners to enhance the independence and credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
"The end of the current INEC chairman's tenure in November 2025 offers a chance to choose a new leader through an open and fair process," CAPPA noted, warning that "failure to act now may lead to another election that is flawed from the beginning."
The group emphasized the importance of ensuring all eligible voters, including those in the diaspora, can vote without hindrance and called for clear guidelines on electronic transmission of results to improve transparency.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lawmakers must guarantee conditions that enable eligible voters at home and abroad to cast their ballots unhindered by logistical or structural failures," the statement concluded.
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