Democracy Day: CISLAC Raises Concerns Over Insecurity, Poverty, Governance Deficits

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre) has raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, corruption, and governance deficits in Nigeria as the country marks Democracy Day, warning that democratic progress remains under serious strain despite years of civilian rule.

In a statement signed on Thursday by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said Nigeria’s democratic journey must be understood as one built on sacrifice rather than privilege, stressing that the gains of June 12 were achieved through courage, resistance, and the struggles of citizens against authoritarian rule.

According to CISLAC,.Democracy was not given; it was won through sacrifice, courage, and the relentless struggle of patriots who confronted oppression and authoritarian rule, noting that the date remains a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom.

It added that June 12 symbolises the sacrifices of Nigerians who believed in justice, accountability, and the sovereignty of the people, saying democracy must continue to honour those ideals.

The organisation paid tribute to a wide range of pro-democracy figures, including Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Balarabe Musa, Chima Ubani, Bamidele Aturu, Emma Ezeazu, and many others who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

It also recognised academics, activists, labour leaders, journalists, and contributors to the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference, describing their efforts as foundational to Nigeria’s democratic framework.

“Their sacrifices is a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility, and the continuous demand for good governance,” CISLAC said.

While acknowledging over 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the organisation said democracy must be assessed beyond elections and measured by its impact on citizens’ welfare, security, and development.

It stressed that “democracy must translate into improved livelihoods, stronger institutions, enhanced security, justice, and inclusive governance.”

CISLAC expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity across the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, warning that no democracy can thrive where citizens live in constant fear.

It called for urgent reforms anchored on intelligence-led security operations, accountability, and preventive strategies to address the rising threats to national stability.

On the economy, the organisation highlighted worsening hardship, inflation, unemployment, and rising cost of living, noting that recent policy reforms have deepened the struggles of many households.

While acknowledging government efforts, CISLAC urged the adoption of “inclusive and people-centred policies that protect vulnerable populations and reduce inequality.”

It warned that youth unemployment remains a major threat to national stability, contributing to irregular migration, frustration, and insecurity, and called for investment in skills, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

On corruption, CISLAC said it continues to undermine public trust and drain resources from critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.

It called for stronger institutions, transparent procurement systems, protection of whistleblowers, and “decisive political will to ensure accountability without bias or selective enforcement.”

The organisation also raised concerns over electoral integrity, citing vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and the growing influence of money politics.

It further criticised weak internal party democracy, including candidate imposition and manipulated primaries, calling for reforms to strengthen political parties as true democratic institutions.

CISLAC expressed concern over the state of education and healthcare, citing out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, and rising costs of essential services.

“Sustainable democracy cannot exist without strong investment in human capital development,” it stressed.

The organisation also warned about shrinking civic space and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice, calling for stronger institutions free from political interference.

CISLAC concluded that while Nigeria has sustained democracy for over two decades, endurance alone is not sufficient.

“Nigeria’s democratic future will be judged not by elections alone, but by the dignity, safety, and prosperity of its people,” CISLAC stated.