As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over what it described as a “frightening collapse” of responsible and accountable governance under the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a press release issued on Democracy Day, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, warned that Nigeria is experiencing a dangerous erosion of democratic values, as core institutions grow weaker and authoritarian tendencies take root.
“Right now, the nation’s democratic institutions are at their weakest points and consistently failing the people,” Rafsanjani said, citing a failure of leadership, rising impunity, and a shrinking civic space as signs of democratic decay. He emphasized that rather than building on past democratic gains, Nigeria appears to be regressing into a system of unaccountable leadership and citizen exclusion.
The organization also raised alarm over the declining credibility of elections in the country. CISLAC decried increasing voter apathy, electoral violence, vote buying, and judicial interference, warning that such trends have transformed elections into “mere exercises in futility” for many citizens.
“Political parties lack ideology and discipline, functioning merely as platforms for elite bargains and transactional personal gains,” Rafsanjani stated, calling for urgent electoral and political party reforms to rebuild public trust.
While federal anti-corruption efforts are frequently highlighted, CISLAC pointed to what it described as rampant and unchecked corruption at the state level. According to the organization, many state governors operate without transparency and accountability, shielded by compromised state assemblies.
“There is a need to decentralize anti-corruption efforts and empower state-level institutions to function independently,” Rafsanjani noted.
CISLAC also criticized the judiciary, citing delayed justice, inconsistent judgments, and political interference as factors undermining the rule of law. Rafsanjani emphasized that a functional democracy requires an independent judiciary with financial autonomy and public trust.
Despite government assurances, CISLAC said insecurity persists across Nigeria, with no coherent national strategy in place to address its root causes. The group advocated for a people-centred security approach that focuses on civilian protection.
On the economy, CISLAC expressed disappointment that the removal of fuel subsidies—though promoted as a reform—has worsened the plight of ordinary Nigerians. “The so-called fuel subsidy savings have not translated into tangible relief for ordinary Nigerians,” CISLAC said, lamenting increased poverty, unemployment, and the lack of basic services.
The organization condemned ongoing clampdowns on peaceful protesters, journalists, and civil society groups. It described the arrests and harassment of young Nigerians and NGOs as evidence of a shrinking civic space incompatible with democratic governance.
As the nation reflects on more than two decades of democratic rule, CISLAC urged the government to initiate comprehensive reforms aimed at restoring trust, strengthening institutions, and protecting civil liberties.
“Democracy is more than elections. It must demonstrate good governance, strong institutions, protection of rights, and active civic participation,” Rafsanjani concluded.
CISLAC’s statement underscores the growing concerns among civil society groups over Nigeria’s democratic health, even as the country celebrates another year of civilian rule.