From Our Correspondent
Abuja, Sept. 24, ’25 (TNZ) The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room has cautioned that the country’s democracy remains fragile, as the world marked the 2025 International Day of Democracy.
TheNewsZenith reports that the day was commemorated recently under the United Nations theme, “From Voice to Action”, in Abuja.
The convener of the CSO, Mr Yunusa Ya’u, said in a statement that Nigeria must do more to translate citizens’ voices into meaningful political participation.
Ya’u noted that Nigeria, in its 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule in 2025, had made progress since 1999. However, there remained persistent weaknesses.
“In a July 2025 report, the Situation Room observed that Nigeria’s democracy is still marked by institutional fragility, electoral distrust, and public disillusionment.
“Corruption, poor leadership, and erosion of values further worsened the situation.
“There have been attempts to weaken the opposition and undermine the electoral process.
“These are manifesting through infiltration of parties, harassment of journalists, and pressure on civil society.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State amounts to executive overreach and a threat to constitutional order,” he said.
On the economy, Ya’u said reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and fiscal restructuring had increased government revenues, but citizens continued to grapple with inflation, a weak currency, debt, and poverty.
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“We cannot ignore the strong link between democracy and poverty,” TheNewsZenith quotes the statement.
The Situation Room also identified insecurity as a major obstacle, citing terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes in the North-East and Middle Belt.
He cited the ethnic and resource-based conflicts in Plateau, Benue, and Taraba that had claimed many lives and displaced many.
Ya’u stressed the need for improved intelligence, better military coordination, and stronger community engagement.
On the 2023 general election, the conveiner criticised it for logistical failures, voter suppression, and lack of transparency.
“We welcome the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise, which has recorded more than 3.5 million new registered voters.”
He warned that it faced challenges such as technical glitches, low turnout in some regions, and allegations of politicisation.
The Situation Room, therefore, recommended expansion of the registration centres. It also wants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy mobile units to rural and insecure areas.
“INEC should also resolve portal failures and ensure the safety of registrants.” (TNZ)
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