ActionAid Nigeria has urged government institutions to recommit to accountability and good governance as the world observes the International Day of Democracy under the theme “From Voice to Action.”
In a statement on Monday, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, stressed that democracy in Nigeria is “at a critical juncture,” warning that the system risks further erosion if the people’s voices are not translated into tangible reforms.
He cited Nigeria’s poor performance in recent governance indices, including ranking 116th out of 120 countries on the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index and 33rd out of 54 African nations on the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance. These figures, he said, reflect deep governance failures compounded by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and a growing trust deficit between leaders and citizens.
Mamedu condemned recent political developments such as the Rivers State crisis, where a state of emergency was declared, and the continued suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan despite a court order. He described both as examples of legislative impunity and executive overreach that undermine the rule of law and weaken democratic institutions.
Drawing parallels with youth-led democratic reform movements in Nepal, Mamedu urged Nigerian leaders to empower young people, embrace accountability, and implement electoral reforms such as electronic transmission of results.
ActionAid also demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, an end to actions undermining federalism, and bold judicial rulings on constitutional matters affecting governance.
“The National Assembly must live up to its role as a check on executive power, while the judiciary must truly serve as the hope of the common man,” Mamedu stated.
