Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to make the protection of lives, livelihoods, and citizens’ rights a central measure of Nigeria’s democratic progress as the country marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
CAPPA said Nigeria’s democracy could not be considered meaningful if citizens continued to live under the threat of insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, communal violence and other forms of insecurity.
In a statement signed by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, the organisation said security must be treated as a democratic dividend, stressing that citizens should be protected both from violent non-state actors and unlawful abuses by state authorities.
It said: “Security is a democratic dividend,” adding that no discussion of Nigeria’s progress could ignore the insecurity that continues to plague communities across the country.
According to CAPPA, insecurity has continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, education, agriculture and freedom of movement, despite gains recorded by the military and other security agencies.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to develop a security system capable of protecting citizens while ensuring that security agencies operate within the law and respect human rights.
CAPPA specifically referenced alleged police attacks on peaceful Nigerians during anti-land-grab protests in Lagos, arguing that security should not become a justification for the violation of citizens’ rights.
“A secure Nigeria must be one in which citizens are protected both from violent non-state actors and from unlawful abuses by state authorities,” it said.
CAPPA linked the country’s security challenges directly to the quality of its democracy, arguing that citizens cannot meaningfully participate in democratic processes if insecurity prevents them from moving freely, organising, campaigning or reaching polling units.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the organisation urged the Federal Government, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians can participate in the electoral process without fear.
It called for measures to address insecurity in areas where violence could prevent citizens from campaigning, attending political gatherings, reaching polling centres or exercising their franchise.
CAPPA also urged security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism during the electoral process, while ensuring that citizens are protected from intimidation and violence.
The organisation said credible elections must be accompanied by an environment where citizens can freely express their views, organise peacefully and hold public officials accountable.
“Credible electoral processes and institutions are essential, but democracy must continue between elections,” CAPPA said.
“Citizens must be able to question government, demand information, organise peacefully, criticise public policy and participate in decisions that affect our lives.”
The organisation also called for stronger protection of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and civic participation.
It said journalists, civil society organisations, workers, students and ordinary citizens should be able to speak and organise without intimidation.
“The government must therefore protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and civic participation, while ensuring that journalists, civil society organisations, workers, students and ordinary citizens can speak and organise without intimidation,” CAPPA said.
Referencing a recent reminder by the National Human Rights Commission that democracy encompasses citizens’ dignity, voice and rights, the organisation called for a peaceful, inclusive and rights-respecting political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
CAPPA also urged security agencies to operate within the law and ensure that measures taken to combat crime do not result in unlawful detention, excessive use of force or other violations of citizens’ rights.
While acknowledging the resilience of Nigerians and the country’s achievements since independence, CAPPA said the 66th anniversary should provide an opportunity for the government to confront the security and governance challenges facing the nation.
“The Nigeria of our dreams cannot be built by pretending that everything is working,” the organisation said.
“It will be built by confronting what is broken, fixing our institutions and ensuring that government works for the people.”
CAPPA identified the development of a security system that protects lives, livelihoods and rights as one of five immediate priorities for the government.
The others are strengthening the electoral system ahead of 2027, protecting civic and democratic freedoms, making citizens’ welfare the measure of economic policy, and rebuilding public services and infrastructure.
The organisation also urged Nigerians to participate actively in democratic life, scrutinise political promises, demand accountability from elected officials and reject attempts to divide citizens along ethnic, religious, or regional lines.
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