As Nigerians commemorated Democracy Day, ActionAid Nigeria has expressed concern that the democratic ideals symbolised by June 12 remain largely unfulfilled, citing rising poverty, insecurity, shrinking civic space and governance challenges as major threats to the country’s democratic progress.
In a statement marking the June 12 celebration, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, described the decision by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 to officially recognise June 12 as Democracy Day as a significant step towards correcting the historical injustice surrounding the annulled 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
According to the organisation, the declaration represented more than a symbolic gesture, serving as a commitment to uphold the will of the Nigerian people and strengthen democratic governance. However, it noted that eight years after the declaration, many of the aspirations associated with June 12 have yet to be achieved.
ActionAid expressed concern over what it described as increasing restrictions on civic freedoms, alleging that journalists, activists and citizens critical of government actions have continued to face arrests, intimidation and prosecution.
The organisation cited reports from the National Human Rights Commission indicating that hundreds of thousands of human rights complaints were recorded in April 2026, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, abuse of authority and infringements on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
It also criticised the use of the Cybercrimes Act against journalists and civil society actors, arguing that some media practitioners and activists had been targeted after exposing governance shortcomings or questioning official narratives.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, ActionAid warned that Nigeria’s electoral system faces significant challenges. The organisation argued that the Electoral Act 2026 was enacted without adequate stakeholder consultation and called for urgent amendments to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the group, preserving electoral credibility is essential to preventing a recurrence of the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Beyond electoral concerns, ActionAid raised alarm over worsening socio-economic conditions, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with poverty despite more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule.
The organisation cited data indicating that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and armed conflict, continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across several parts of the country.
It argued that poverty and insecurity are closely linked to governance deficits, weak institutions and inadequate accountability mechanisms.
ActionAid also faulted what it described as weak fiscal transparency, alleging that the simultaneous implementation of multiple federal budgets has weakened oversight and accountability in public spending.
The organisation maintained that such governance shortcomings have contributed to Nigeria’s poor performance in global assessments of government effectiveness.
To address the challenges, ActionAid urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to implement comprehensive reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act, stronger protection for civic freedoms, enhanced security measures, expanded social protection programmes and greater transparency in public finance management.
Mamedu stressed that Democracy Day should go beyond ceremonial observance and serve as a reminder of the need for concrete actions that advance accountable governance, justice and inclusive development.
While acknowledging the significance of recognising June 12 as Democracy Day, he said the true test of that decision lies in the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding civic freedoms and improving the welfare of citizens.
ActionAid reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and civil society organisations across the country to promote accountability and ensure that the democratic ideals associated with June 12 translate into meaningful benefits for Nigerians.
