ABUJA, Nigeria — As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence on October 1, 2026, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has issued a sharp call to action for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, urging a recommitment to democracy that goes beyond political existence to deliver tangible security, dignity, and economic opportunity for all citizens.
In a statement commemorating the anniversary, CAPPA acknowledged Nigeria’s resilience and its 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999.
However, the organisation argued that the true measure of democratic success- whether citizens can live safely, participate meaningfully, afford necessities, and trust public institutions- remains unmet for millions.
CAPPA noted that the 66th anniversary arrives at a critical juncture for Nigerian households. Despite the Federal Government’s emphasis on economic stabilisation and renewed growth, the organisation cited alarming data: the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported in June that 63% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, while an estimated 27 million faced food insecurity in late 2025.
“Beyond statistics and policy announcements, Nigerians need to feel the difference in their pockets, homes, communities, workplaces, and markets,” CAPPA stated.
The group emphasised that economic reforms should not be deemed successful solely for improving government revenues or macroeconomic indicators.
Instead, the ultimate test must be whether policies improve household incomes, reduce hardship, and protect vulnerable populations from deeper poverty.
CAPPA urged the government to prioritise affordable food, a living wage, decent jobs, accessible healthcare, quality education, reliable electricity, and social protection.
With the 2027 general elections approaching on January 16 and February 6, 2027, CAPPA stressed the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions.
The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible process.
Referencing troubling allegations of vote-buying and intimidation during the recent Osun State gubernatorial polls, CAPPA insisted that Nigerians must be able to vote without fear.
It also demanded greater transparency in election technology, voter registration, and results management, and called for the timely resolution of electoral disputes.
CAPPA stressed that democracy must not begin and end at the polling booth. “Credible electoral processes and institutions are essential, but democracy must continue between elections.
“Citizens must be able to question the government, demand information, organise peacefully, criticise public policy, and participate in decisions that affect our lives,” the organisation said.
The group condemned campaigns based on ethnic or religious mobilisation, misinformation, and empty promises, urging the government to protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and civic participation without intimidation.
Describing security as a fundamental democratic dividend, CAPPA lamented the persistent threats of insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence.
It insisted that security agencies must operate within the law and respect human rights, referencing police attacks on peaceful protesters in Lagos as a violation of public trust.
Furthermore, CAPPA urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to strengthen institutions, ensure transparent procurement, and enforce anti-corruption measures, stating that public office must remain a public trust.
At 66, CAPPA acknowledged the sacrifices and resilience that have kept Nigeria united. However, it warned that patriotism should not require silence in the face of failure.
“The Nigeria of our dreams cannot be built by pretending that everything is working. It will be built by confronting what is broken, fixing our institutions, and ensuring that the government works for the people,” CAPPA said.
The organisation outlined five immediate priorities for the government: strengthening the electoral system ahead of 2027, protecting civic freedoms, making citizens' welfare the measure of economic policy, rebuilding public services, and developing a security system that protects lives and rights.
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