Six Decades of Democracy: Experts Highlight Progress, Persistent Gaps in Nigeria
Source: The Real Media
ix decades after independence, experts say Nigeria’s democratic system has recorded important electoral and institutional changes, but persistent gaps in political inclusion, accountability, reliable data and public confidence continue to challenge democratic development.
The assessment formed part of a discussion organised in Abuja by Archiving, in collaboration with the High Commissions of Canada and Ireland, bringing together experts in election litigation, governance and civic participation to examine Nigeria’s democratic experience and changes since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
The panel featured Afolabi Adekaiyaoja of Archiving, Stanley Achonu of Malala Fund, Cynthia Mbamalu of Yiaga Africa and Ameze Belo-Osagie, an Archiving Fellow, who examined population data, electoral reforms, political inclusion, election technology and the changing relationship between citizens and the state.
One of the issues raised was Nigeria’s failure to conduct a new national population census since 2006. Speakers noted that reliable population data is important for revenue allocation, political representation, education planning, healthcare delivery and the provision of other public services.
They argued that continued reliance on outdated population figures makes effective planning more difficult, particularly when governments are determining the number of schools, teachers, health workers and other services required across the country.
The panel also examined changes to Nigeria’s election litigation framework, including tighter timelines and procedural requirements. Speakers noted that election-related cases that previously took several years can now be resolved more quickly, but raised concerns about the ability of litigation to adequately address violations such as violence and vote-buying at polling units.
ix decades after independence, experts say Nigeria’s democratic system has recorded important electoral and institutional changes, but persistent gaps in political inclusion, accountability, reliable data and public confidence continue to challenge democratic development.
The assessment formed part of a discussion organised in Abuja by Archiving, in collaboration with the High Commissions of Canada and Ireland, bringing together experts in election litigation, governance and civic participation to examine Nigeria’s democratic experience and changes since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
The panel featured Afolabi Adekaiyaoja of Archiving, Stanley Achonu of Malala Fund, Cynthia Mbamalu of Yiaga Africa and Ameze Belo-Osagie, an Archiving Fellow, who examined population data, electoral reforms, political inclusion, election technology and the changing relationship between citizens and the state.
One of the issues raised was Nigeria’s failure to conduct a new national population census since 2006. Speakers noted that reliable population data is important for revenue allocation, political representation, education planning, healthcare delivery and the provision of other public services.
They argued that continued reliance on outdated population figures makes effective planning more difficult, particularly when governments are determining the number of schools, teachers, health workers and other services required across the country.
The panel also examined changes to Nigeria’s election litigation framework, including tighter timelines and procedural requirements. Speakers noted that election-related cases that previously took several years can now be resolved more quickly, but raised concerns about the ability of litigation to adequately address violations such as violence and vote-buying at polling units.