Yiaga Africa: Nigeria’s democracy shows signs of progress — but challenges persist

Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), says Nigeria’s democracy is still grappling with many challenges.

In a Democracy Day statement signed by Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa executive director, the organisation said since the return to democratic rule, Nigeria has witnessed incremental political, social, and economic gains.

The organisation said democracy has enabled increased citizen participation and strengthened democratic institutions.

Yiaga Africa, however, noted that although “Nigeria’s democracy shows signs of progress, significant challenges remain”.

“Incidences of election malpractices, electoral violence and intimidation remain a significant concern, deterring voter participation and compromising the integrity of elections,” the statement reads.

“Corruption and lack of accountability by public leaders continue to plague Nigeria’s political landscape, eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

“Despite progress, women, youth, and persons with disability remain underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making processes. Deep-seated socio-economic inequalities hinder the full realization of democratic rights for many Nigerians.

“Journalists, civic activists and citizens experience attacks, intimidation, frivolous litigation, and unlawful detention by state forces for speaking truth to power.”

Yiaga Africa said addressing the challenges requires negotiating a new social compact between the government and citizens which can help restore this trust in the government.

“This social compact should aim to achieve the following objectives: improve social conditions through wealth redistribution, job creation, and food security; safeguard the right to vote and respects choices expressed through the ballot; and strengthen local governance by devolving powers to local governments, promoting local democracy, and enabling citizen participation,” the statement reads.

Yiaga Africa said the social compact should also “deepen public accountability and ensure consequences for breaches of public trust and protect human rights and civil liberties, especially press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly”.