The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) joins Nigerians in commemorating June 12, a defining moment in the nation’s democratic evolution that underscores a fundamental truth: democracy was not gifted; it was won through sacrifice, courage, and the relentless struggle of patriots who confronted oppression and authoritarian rule.
June 12 remains a solemn reminder that the democratic space enjoyed today was secured at great personal cost by men and women who believed in justice, accountability, human rights, and the sovereignty of the people.
Tribute to Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and Heroines, CISLAC pays profound tribute to the following heroes and heroines whose sacrifices, voices, and struggles shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey and continue to inspire the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and accountable governance:
Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Prof. Eskor Toyo, Prof Festus Iyayi, Comrade Chima Ubani, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Comrade Emma Ezeazu, Dr Yima Sen, Mallam Abubakar Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Momoh, Dr Bala Jibrin, Joseph Mamman, Anslem Akele, Abdulrahman Black, Oby Nwankwo, Comrade Hassana Garba, Comrade Abiodun Aremu, Mr Alao Aka-Bashorun, Innocent Chukwuma, Bagauda Kalthoum, Dr Bala Yusuf Usman, Dr Segun Osoba, Barrister Chris Abashi, Nelson Ananze, Joseph Mamman, Bar. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, Comrade Christy Adambara, Farida Mustapha, Alhaja Raliat Daniju, Douglas Oronto, Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, Dr Ola Oni, Mrs Kehinde Ola Oni, Cosmos Attayi-Elaigu, Bene Madunagu, Dr Tajudeen Abdulraheem, Comrade Ali Ciroma, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, Comrade Abiodun Ogunade (Revo), Comrade Basil Chianson, and Bello Aidoloje.
CISLAC also honours the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference, alongside countless other known and unknown patriots whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
Their legacy remains a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility, and the continuous demand for good governance.
DEMOCRACY DAY: CISLAC RAISES CONCERNS OVER INSECURITY, POVERTY, CORRUPTION, AND GOVERNANCE DEFICITS
Nigeria at 26 Years of Democratic Rule: Progress and Persistent Challenges
As Nigeria marks over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance, CISLAC acknowledges the significance of sustaining civilian rule and peaceful political transitions.
However, it stresses that democracy must be judged not only by elections, but by its ability to deliver security, welfare, justice, and inclusive development.
Deepening Insecurity and Threats to National Stability CISLAC expresses grave concern over the worsening security situation across the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and farmer-herder conflicts that continue to claim lives and displace communities.
The organisation warns that no democracy can thrive where citizens live in constant fear and calls for urgent, coordinated, and effective national security reforms anchored on intelligence, accountability, and prevention.
Economic Hardship, Poverty, and Social Inequality CISLAC notes with concern the worsening economic conditions, rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living exacerbated by policy reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.
While acknowledging the intent of these reforms, CISLAC stresses the urgent need for inclusive and people-centred policies that reduce inequality and provide social protection for vulnerable populations.
Youth Unemployment and the Future of National Stability:
The organisation warns that persistent youth unemployment and underemployment pose a serious threat to national stability, contributing to irregular migration, social frustration, and insecurity.
It calls for strategic investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial growth to harness Nigeria’s youthful population for national development.
Corruption and Weak Institutional Accountability:
CISLAC identifies corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental progress, undermining public trust and diverting resources from critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
It calls for stronger institutions, protection for whistleblowers, transparent procurement systems, and decisive political will to ensure accountability without bias or selective enforcement.
Electoral Integrity and Internal Party Democracy:
While acknowledging improvements in electoral processes, CISLAC expresses concern over persistent challenges such as vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and the growing influence of money politics.
It also highlights the weakness of internal party democracy, including candidate imposition and manipulated primaries, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen political parties as institutions of democratic representation.
Education and Healthcare as Pillars of Development:
CISLAC raises concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating education and healthcare systems, marked by out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, and rising costs of services.
It stresses that sustainable democracy cannot exist without strong investment in human capital development, calling for increased funding and equitable access to quality education and healthcare.
Civic Space, Institutions, and Rule of Law:
The organisation expresses concern over shrinking civic space, declining public trust in institutions, and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice.
It calls for stronger, independent institutions capable of functioning without political interference and committed to upholding the rule of law.
CONCLUSION: DEEPENING DEMOCRACY BEYOND SURVIVAL
CISLAC reaffirms that while Nigeria has sustained democracy for 26 years, endurance alone is not sufficient. Democracy must translate into improved livelihoods, stronger institutions, enhanced security, justice, and inclusive governance.
The organisation calls on government, political actors, civil society, the media, and citizens to recommit to transparency, accountability, participation, and respect for democratic principles.
Nigeria’s democratic future, CISLAC stresses, will be judged not by the survival of elections alone, but by the dignity, safety, and prosperity of its people.
Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
Executive Director,
CISLAC
