Twenty-six years after Nigeria returned to civil rule, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, corruption, youth unemployment, and governance deficits in the country.
Democracy Day Message
In a Democracy Day message released on Wednesday, CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, warned that the nation's democratic future will ultimately be judged by the welfare, safety, and prosperity of its citizens, not merely by the conduct of elections. The group stressed that while commemorating June 12 and honoring those who played key roles in Nigeria's democratic struggle, the country must move beyond celebrating the survival of democratic rule and focus on addressing challenges that undermine democracy's benefits.
Honoring Democratic Heroes
Describing June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria's democratic evolution, CISLAC noted that democracy was secured through sacrifice, courage, and sustained resistance against oppression. The organization paid tribute to heroes such as Moshood Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Balarabe Musa, Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Professor Eskor Toyo, Comrade Chima Ubani, and Bagauda Kalthoum, among others.
Security and Economic Concerns
CISLAC expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and farmer-herder conflicts. The group warned that democratic governance cannot thrive where citizens live under constant fear and called for urgent security reforms based on intelligence, accountability, and preventive measures. On the economy, CISLAC highlighted rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, worsened by fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments. It identified youth unemployment as a major threat to stability and urged investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial growth.
Corruption and Electoral Issues
CISLAC labeled corruption a major obstacle to democratic progress, weakening public trust and diverting resources from healthcare, education, and infrastructure. It called for stronger institutions, transparent procurement, whistleblower protection, and political commitment to accountability. On elections, the group acknowledged improvements but worried about vote buying, electoral violence, low turnout, and money in politics. It stressed the need for internal party democracy and genuine representation.
Education, Healthcare, and Civic Space
The organization urged increased funding for education and healthcare, insisting that sustainable democracy requires human capital development. It also expressed concern over a shrinking civic space, declining public confidence in institutions, and challenges to judicial independence. CISLAC called on the government, political actors, civil society, media, and citizens to recommit to transparency, accountability, participation, and democratic principles.
CAPPA's Warning
In a related development, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) urged the federal government to treat worsening insecurity as a direct threat to democracy, rule of law, and the credibility of the 2027 elections. CAPPA's Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, warned that no democracy can flourish under constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and communal violence. Assistant Executive Director Zikora Ibeh stated that democracy cannot thrive when people fear traveling, sending children to school, farming, or participating in elections. CAPPA lamented that between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 incidents, with 762 killed and an estimated N2.57 billion paid in ransom.
