According to the civil society organization (CSO) Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Nigeria’s democracy is facing “increasing pressure.”
Bukola Idowu, executive director of the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), said civil rule should be more than just a day on the calendar in a statement honoring the 2025 International Day of Democracy.
According to the declaration, “it is the daily practice of fair rules applied consistently, leaders held accountable, and citizens empowered with a voice—not just on election day, but every day in between.”
Democracy is not theoretical; rather, it is based on whether or not people can actually hold those in positions of authority accountable and whether or not governance actually improves people’s lives.
Democracy is coming under more and more strain in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Public patience is strained by economic hardship and instability.
“Political polarization and disinformation erode trust. Too many groups still face obstacles to participation, particularly women, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.
Sometimes, rather than being safeguarded, civic space is constrained. However, this is not a tale of Africa’s and Nigeria’s impending decline. It’s also one of possibility and resiliency.
Nigerians are still organizing, observing, fact-checking, suing, volunteering, and innovating. If institutions respond to that civic energy with transparency, accountability, and reform, it will be to our country’s favor.
According to Idowu, KDI’s goal is to ensure that democracy functions by promoting civic education, election integrity, and openness in political spending and campaign money.
For us, democracy is about results rather than appearances. The true test is straightforward: does democracy benefit a privileged few or does it benefit everyone? He inquired.
“We extend an invitation to you to attend our next UNGA side event, ‘Strengthening Democratic Foundations in Africa,’ on September 18, 2025, as part of this commitment.”
According to him, reformers, scholars, and practitioners will come together at the event to exchange doable ideas and firm pledges to bolster democratic resilience throughout the continent.
