As Nigeria marks 26 years of democratic governance, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concerns over the country’s democratic backsliding.
In a statement on Thursday, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani lamented the collapse of accountable governance under President Bola Tinubu’s watch.
Rafsanjani noted that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are at their weakest points, consistently failing the people, while authoritarian tendencies continue to rise. He attributed this to failure of leadership, erosion of public trust, rising corruption, impunity, compromised electoral processes, and shrinking civic space.
CISLAC is concerned over Nigeria’s deteriorating electoral credibility, citing elections marked by violence, voter suppression, vote buying, and judicial interference in electoral outcomes.
Rafsanjani stated that political parties lack ideology and discipline, functioning merely as platforms for elite bargains and transactional personal gains.
CISLAC stresses the urgent need for electoral and political party reforms to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic processes. It called for comprehensive reforms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
While anti-corruption efforts at the federal level are frequently touted, CISLAC is deeply troubled by pervasive and largely unchecked corruption at the state level. Rafsanjani emphasised the need to decentralise anti-corruption efforts and empower state-level institutions to function independently.
‘The judiciary is also under pressure, with delays in access to justice, conflicting court judgments, and perceived political interference undermining the rule of law.
‘CISLAC calls for comprehensive judicial reform to ensure timely, impartial justice and uphold the supremacy of the rule of law’, he said.
The statement added that: ‘Despite repeated promises, insecurity continues unabated, with citizens not safe and the government yet to present a coherent national security strategy. CISLAC advocates for a people-centred security approach prioritizing civilian protection and addressing long-standing causes of conflict.
‘CISLAC is alarmed by continued economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians, despite government claims of saving trillions of naira from fuel subsidy removal. The organisation notes that the so-called savings have not translated into tangible relief for ordinary Nigerians.
‘CISLAC condemns the continued clampdowns on civic voices, peaceful protesters, journalists, activists, and civil society organizations working on human rights and anti-corruption. Rafsanjani emphasized that this shrinking civic space is incompatible with any credible democratic system.
‘As Nigeria celebrates another Democracy Day, CISLAC stressed the need for concrete, deliberate, and far-reaching reforms to rescue the country’s democratic project. The organization calls on the government to end ongoing repression, embrace people-oriented reforms, and restore the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
‘Rafsanjani concluded that democracy is more than elections; it must demonstrate good governance, strong institutions, protection of rights, and active civic participation. CISLAC urges the government to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and uphold democratic values.
‘The Nigerian government must take immediate action to address the concerns raised by CISLAC. The country’s democratic future depends on it. Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will determine its future. CISLAC’s statement serves as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize democratic values and ensure the welfare of its citizens.
‘CISLAC’s calls on the urgent need for reforms to rescue Nigeria’s democratic project. The government must prioritise good governance, strong institutions, and protection of rights to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system’.
