As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence anniversary on October 1, 2026, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Federal Government and state authorities to ensure that democracy delivers measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
In a statement signed by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, the organisation said the anniversary should prompt an honest assessment of Nigeria’s democratic progress, particularly in the areas of security, economic opportunity, public services, accountability and citizens’ rights.
CAPPA acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians and the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999, but said the democratic experience had yet to meet the expectations of millions of citizens.
It said many Nigerians continue to struggle with insecurity, poverty, food shortages, unemployment, poor public services and declining trust in government institutions. The organisation noted that some citizens now view emigration as their best option for securing a safer and more stable future.
CAPPA cited an International Monetary Fund report indicating that 63 per cent of Nigerians were living below the national poverty line, while about 27 million people faced food insecurity in late 2025.
The group said the Federal Government’s economic reforms should be judged not only by improved revenues, investment figures or macroeconomic indicators, but by whether households could afford food, access healthcare, secure decent jobs and enjoy reliable electricity, water and education.
“Beyond statistics and policy announcements, Nigerians need to feel the difference in their pockets, homes, communities, workplaces and markets,” CAPPA said.
It called for the implementation of a living wage, expanded social protection and stronger investment in essential public services.
The organisation also raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful, transparent and inclusive polls.
INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.
CAPPA said allegations of vote-buying, intimidation and undue influence during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election were troubling and should not be allowed to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
It urged authorities to improve transparency in voter registration, election technology, result collation and dispute resolution, while ensuring that citizens could vote without fear or manipulation.
The organisation stressed that democracy should extend beyond election periods, saying citizens must be free to question government policies, demand information, organise peacefully and criticise public officials.
It also called for the protection of journalists, civil society groups, workers, students and other citizens from intimidation.
CAPPA condemned the use of ethnic and religious mobilisation, misinformation and empty promises in political campaigns, and urged political parties and candidates to promote a peaceful and inclusive political environment ahead of 2027.
On security, the organisation said insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, education, agriculture and freedom of movement across the country.
It urged security agencies to protect citizens while respecting human rights and the rule of law. Referring to police attacks on peaceful protesters during anti-land-grab demonstrations in Lagos, CAPPA said citizens must be protected both from criminal groups and unlawful abuses by state authorities.
The group further called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to strengthen public institutions, improve oversight of public spending, ensure transparent procurement and enforce anti-corruption laws.
It warned against the continued deterioration of public institutions and urged greater investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, water systems and other essential services.
CAPPA said Nigeria’s anniversary should be used as a turning point, with government prioritising electoral reform, civic freedoms, citizens’ welfare, public infrastructure and a security system that protects lives and rights.
“The Nigeria of our dreams cannot be built by pretending that everything is working,” the organisation said. “It will be built by confronting what is broken, fixing our institutions and ensuring that government works for the people.”
The group also urged Nigerians to participate actively in democratic life, scrutinise political promises, demand accountability from elected officials and reject attempts to divide the country along ethnic, religious or regional lines.
Source: Presidentstrides.com
