As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, ActionAid Nigeria has raised concerns over what it describes as the country’s failure to fully realize the democratic ideals symbolized by June 12, warning that shrinking civic space, rising poverty, insecurity and weak governance threaten the nation’s democratic future.
In a statement issued to mark the June 12 celebration, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the decision by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day was a significant step toward correcting the injustice surrounding the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
According to the organisation, the declaration was more than a symbolic gesture; it represented a commitment to uphold the will of the Nigerian people and strengthen democratic governance. However, ActionAid argued that eight years later, many of the aspirations associated with that promise remain unrealized.
The organisation expressed concern over what it called a growing crackdown on civic freedoms, citing reports of arrests, prosecutions and intimidation of journalists, activists and citizens critical of government actions.
It referenced data from the National Human Rights Commission indicating that hundreds of thousands of human rights complaints were recorded in April 2026, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, abuse of authority and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
ActionAid also criticized the application of the Cybercrimes Act against journalists and activists, pointing to cases involving media practitioners and civil society actors who were reportedly arrested or prosecuted after exposing governance failures or questioning official claims.
The group further warned that Nigeria’s electoral system faces significant challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections. It argued that the Electoral Act 2026 was enacted without sufficient stakeholder consultation and called for urgent amendments to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the organisation, preserving electoral credibility is essential to avoiding a repeat of the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
Beyond electoral concerns, ActionAid raised alarm over worsening socio-economic conditions, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty despite decades of democratic rule.
The organisation cited statistics showing that more than 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and armed conflict, continues to disrupt livelihoods across many communities.
It argued that poverty and insecurity are interconnected challenges stemming from governance failures, weak institutions and limited accountability.
ActionAid also criticized what it described as weak fiscal transparency, alleging that the concurrent implementation of multiple federal budgets has undermined effective oversight and accountability in public spending.
The organisation maintained that these governance shortcomings have contributed to Nigeria’s poor performance in global assessments of government effectiveness.
To address the challenges, ActionAid called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to undertake comprehensive reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act, protection of civic freedoms, improved security measures, strengthened social protection programmes and greater transparency in public finance management.
Mamedu stressed that Democracy Day should serve as more than a ceremonial event, urging leaders to take concrete actions that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians for accountable governance, justice and inclusive development.
He said that while recognizing June 12 was an important milestone, the true measure of that decision lies in the government’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions, expanding civic freedoms and improving the welfare of citizens.
ActionAid pledged to continue working with communities and civil society organizations across the country to promote accountability and ensure that the democratic ideals associated with June 12 are translated into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
