As Nigeria marks Democracy Day 2026, a group has called for stronger civic participation across the country, urging citizens, particularly young people to take a more active role in shaping the nation’s democratic future.
In a press release issued to mark the occasion, the group said Nigeria’s democracy, which has remained uninterrupted since the return to civilian rule in 1999, has recorded notable progress but still requires deeper citizen engagement to fully consolidate its democratic institutions and governance structures.
The group noted that while successive democratic governments have contributed to political stability and institutional development, the system continues to evolve and faces challenges that can only be addressed through sustained participation by citizens at all levels.
It stressed that democracy is not only defined by periodic elections but also by continuous civic involvement, accountability, and public participation in governance processes. According to the statement, these elements remain critical to ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and effective leadership.
The group further observed that Nigeria’s demographic structure, with a large youth population, places significant responsibility on young citizens to actively engage in civic and political affairs. It added that the future of the country’s democracy will largely depend on the level of awareness, involvement, and responsibility demonstrated by the younger generation.
It also highlighted persistent governance challenges across various sectors, including institutional inefficiencies, leadership gaps, and socio-economic pressures, describing them as issues that require both government reforms and stronger citizen engagement to address effectively.
The statement emphasized the importance of voter registration and participation, civic education, and continuous engagement in public accountability processes as key pillars for strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to the press release, democracy can only be sustained when citizens move beyond passive observation and become active participants in decision-making processes that shape national development.
In a statement signed by Amb. Victor Adetolaju, Founder and Chairman of the Association for Students Social Welfare (ASSW) and Chairman of the Students Chamber of Commerce (SCC), the group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting civic awareness, leadership development, and student engagement across educational institutions and communities.
He noted that the organisation’s initiatives are designed to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to participate meaningfully in governance and national development.
The statement added that democracy becomes stronger when citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to hold leadership accountable, stressing that civic responsibility must be continuously encouraged across all levels of society.
As Nigeria reflects on its democratic journey, the group called for sustained efforts by government institutions, civil society organisations, and educational stakeholders to deepen civic education and expand opportunities for youth participation in democratic processes.
It concluded that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on leadership but also on the active involvement of citizens committed to national progress and democratic consolidation.