The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has called for urgent electoral reforms, stronger social protection measures and more responsive governance, warning that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when citizens enjoy both political freedom and economic wellbeing.
In a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday, ACSONet Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, said the enduring legacy of the June 12, 1993 presidential election must serve as a guide for strengthening democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, the lessons of June 12 underscore the sanctity of the people’s mandate and the need for leaders and institutions to respect the will of citizens.
“June 12 stands as a reminder that democracy was not gifted to Nigerians.
“It was earned through sacrifice, courage and collective resistance against the suppression of the people’s will,” Azor stated.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic journey, the ACSONet expressed concern over worsening economic conditions, rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.
The statement opines that democracy must be judged by its ability to improve the lives of citizens.
It urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen social protection programmes and ensure that ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians through job creation, support for small businesses, improved healthcare, quality education and effective social safety nets.
The group also challenged state governors to justify the increased revenues accruing to states through visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and security.
“Citizens rightly expect these resources to translate into better roads, functional schools, accessible healthcare, agricultural development, improved security and sustainable economic opportunities,” the statement said.
On electoral matters, ACSONet identified electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, abuse of incumbency and manipulation of election outcomes as major threats to democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
Rebuilding public trust
The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, to rebuild public trust through greater transparency, consistent application of electoral rules, improved voter education, stronger deployment of technology and strict adherence to neutrality and professionalism.
“Nigerians must not only be assured that their votes count; they must also see clear evidence that every vote counts,” the statement stressed.
The group further urged security agencies to remain impartial during elections and safeguard voters and democratic institutions rather than serve partisan interests.
Expressing concern over declining voter turnout in recent elections, ACSONet described the trend as a warning sign of eroding public confidence in the electoral system.
The network maintained that rebuilding trust in elections remains critical to democratic stability and legitimacy.
It notes that citizens are more likely to participate when they believe the electoral process is credible and capable of reflecting the people’s choice.
Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, ACSONet said good governance remains one of the most important drivers of poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The group therefore called for renewed commitment to electoral integrity, accountable leadership, responsible citizenship and inclusive development, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on elections but also on the strength of institutions and the quality of life enjoyed by citizens.
“Democracy flourishes when leaders respect the will of the people and when institutions work in the public interest,” the statement concluded.
