Stakeholders at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Friday called for renewed efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and deepen accountability as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
At the 2026 Democracy Day Dialogue and Photo Exhibition themed “June 12: From Symbolism to Systems Change – The Role of Civil Society in Sustaining Nigeria’s Democracy,” participants said that while civilian rule has been sustained since 1999, key challenges in electoral integrity, institutional coordination, security, and public trust remain unresolved.
Convener of the dialogue, Zakaria Ya’u, warned that 26 years of uninterrupted democracy have not translated into genuine democratization. Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey from the annulled June 12, 1993 election to today, he said the date became a symbol of resistance against military rule. However, he noted that governance has continued to deteriorate, with rising impunity, poor accountability, and leaders growing distant from citizens’ concerns.
“June 12 was the determination of Nigerians that forced the military to transfer power in 1999,” Ya’u said. “But over the years, we have seen continuous deterioration in governance. Leaders are less accountable and less responsive.” He cited rising unemployment, poverty, and hunger, urging citizens to demand more from those in power.
Head of Programme and Policy at ActionAid Nigeria, Celestine Okudili Odo, said reforms have not improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. “The children are still here. That raises questions about the dividends of democracy,” he noted. Odo warned that political apathy among youths, worsening insecurity, inequality, and poor access to healthcare mean democracy’s core promises remain unfulfilled.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, commended civil society for defending democratic values and protecting human rights. He described democracy as a continuous process, not a one-off event. “Despite its flaws, democracy is the best system for people to shape decisions that affect their lives,” he said. He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections will be critical for public confidence and Nigeria’s progress.
The Situation Room concluded that with 2027 approaching, Nigeria has a narrowing window to implement reforms that strengthen institutions and rebuild trust through citizen-centred accountability.
Other speakers included PLAC Executive Director Clement Nwankwo, Ene Obi Centre for Development’s Ene Obi, and former House of Representatives member Abdul Orohin Attendance
