The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has declared that Nigeria’s democracy was earned through sacrifice and struggle, insisting that June 12 remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and authoritarian rule.
In a Democracy Day statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said democratic governance in Nigeria was secured through the courage and determination of patriots who paid enormous personal prices for freedom, justice and accountable leadership.
CISLAC noted that June 12 stands as a historic reminder that the nation’s democratic gains were not freely handed over but were won through years of activism, resistance and collective sacrifice.
The organisation paid glowing tribute to the men and women whose contributions shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey and strengthened the foundations of civilian rule.
Among those honoured were Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Professor Eskor Toyo, Professor Festus Iyayi and Comrade Chima Ubani.
Others recognised included Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Comrade Emma Ezeazu, Dr. Yima Sen, Professor Abubakar Momoh, Dr. Bala Jibrin, Oby Nwankwo, Innocent Chukwuma, Dr. Bala Usman and several other democracy advocates whose efforts advanced the cause of good governance.
CISLAC also honoured the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference as well as numerous unsung heroes whose contributions remain embedded in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to the organisation, the enduring legacy of these patriots continues to inspire civic responsibility, democratic resilience and the quest for transparent governance.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, CISLAC described the period as a significant achievement in sustaining civilian governance and peaceful political transitions.
However, it warned that democracy should not be measured solely by the conduct of elections but by its capacity to deliver security, justice, welfare and inclusive development to citizens.
The organisation expressed serious concern over the worsening security situation across the country, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and farmer herder conflicts as major threats to national stability.
It stressed that no democracy can flourish when citizens live in fear and called for comprehensive security reforms driven by intelligence gathering, accountability and proactive prevention strategies.
On the economy, CISLAC lamented rising inflation, increasing unemployment and the growing cost of living, noting that many Nigerians continue to face severe hardship despite ongoing economic reforms.
The organisation observed that policy measures such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments have intensified pressure on households and businesses across the country.
While recognising the objectives behind the reforms, CISLAC urged government at all levels to adopt people focused policies that reduce poverty, narrow inequality and strengthen social protection mechanisms.
It further warned that youth unemployment and underemployment remain major risks to national stability, creating conditions that fuel frustration, insecurity and irregular migration.
The group called for strategic investments in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, industrialisation and skills acquisition programmes capable of unlocking the productive potential of Nigeria’s young population.
CISLAC identified corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to democratic consolidation and sustainable development, arguing that it continues to weaken public trust and divert resources from critical sectors.
The organisation urged authorities to strengthen anti corruption institutions, protect whistleblowers and enforce transparent procurement systems that promote accountability.
It also called for stronger political commitment to fighting corruption without bias, favouritism or selective enforcement of the law.
On electoral matters, CISLAC acknowledged improvements in recent elections but expressed concern over persistent challenges including vote buying, electoral violence, low voter participation and the influence of money politics.
The organisation also criticised the weakening of internal party democracy, particularly the imposition of candidates and manipulation of primary elections, describing such practices as threats to democratic representation.
CISLAC raised fresh concerns over the state of Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, citing inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, rising service costs and the growing number of out of school children.
According to the group, meaningful democratic progress cannot be achieved without substantial investment in human capital development and equitable access to quality social services.
The organisation equally warned against shrinking civic space, declining public confidence in institutions and challenges affecting judicial independence, urging government to strengthen the rule of law and safeguard democratic freedoms.
Concluding its Democracy Day message, CISLAC maintained that the future of Nigeria’s democracy would ultimately be judged not by the survival of elections alone but by the security, dignity and prosperity enjoyed by citizens, while reaffirming that the sacrifices of the nation’s democratic heroes must never be forgotten.