Nigeria must strengthen institutions to deepen democracy — CSOs

By Abubakar Yunusa

The African Electoral Integrity Initiative (AE2I) has called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, insisting that public trust remains the bedrock of sustainable democratic governance.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja over the weekend to commemorate Democracy Day, the Executive Director of AE2I, Dr Daniel Omofoman, said Nigeria must reinforce the rule of law, accountability, transparency and social justice to deepen democracy and strengthen citizens’ confidence in governance.
The event, organised in collaboration with Election Integrity, the Nigeria Election Integrity Promotion Alliance and Nigeria in Politics, was themed, “Sustaining Democratic Trust.”
Omofoman said Democracy Day should serve not only as a celebration of democratic rule but also as an opportunity for reflection on the sacrifices made by Nigerians in securing and sustaining democratic governance.
He commended Nigerians for their resilience and commitment to democracy despite prevailing economic, security and social challenges, describing citizens as the true custodians of the nation’s democratic journey.
According to him, democracy cannot thrive on elections alone but requires strong public trust in institutions, leadership, the justice system and the electoral process.
“The Nigerian people remain the true custodians of our democracy. Through their participation, vigilance and unwavering commitment to national unity, democracy has continued to endure and evolve,” he said.
He stressed that democratic trust could only be sustained when laws are applied fairly, institutions operate independently and public officials are held accountable for their actions.
The AE2I boss urged the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to remain committed to constitutional governance and democratic principles, noting that each arm of government has a crucial role to play in strengthening public confidence.
He said while the Executive must prioritise transparency and service delivery, the Legislature should continue to provide effective oversight and representation, while the Judiciary must uphold justice without fear or favour.
Omofoman also linked democratic stability to social justice, arguing that citizens are more likely to trust democratic institutions when they enjoy access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, security and other dividends of governance.
He warned that poverty, inequality, youth unemployment and social exclusion could undermine confidence in democracy if not adequately addressed.
The electoral integrity advocate further called on political parties to strengthen internal democracy through transparent leadership selection processes, fair primaries and inclusive participation.
According to him, political competition should focus on ideas, policies and competence rather than violence, hate speech and actions capable of threatening national unity.
He also urged election management bodies, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media to continue playing their respective roles in promoting credible elections, accountability and democratic oversight.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Omofoman encouraged greater participation in democratic processes, saying the future of the country depends significantly on the active involvement of young people in governance and nation-building.
He cautioned against tribalism, ethnic nationalism, religious extremism and other divisive tendencies, describing Nigeria’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
Omofoman reaffirmed AE2I’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity, democratic accountability and good governance across Nigeria and the African continent.
He called on all stakeholders to place national interest above personal and political considerations, insisting that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy must never be sacrificed for individual ambition or sectional interests.
“As we commemorate this Democracy Day, let us renew our commitment to building a Nigeria where the rule of law prevails, where institutions are respected, where leaders are accountable and where every citizen can confidently trust in the democratic system,” he said.