A pro-democracy group, Citizens Advancement and Development Initiative (CADI), has initiated moves to promote performance democracy in Nigeria. CADI's Founder and author, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, launched a book titled "2027 and Beyond: Own the Process, Vote for Value, Activate Performance Democracy" in Ikeja, Lagos. The book aims to educate voters and hold political leaders accountable. Dr. Akinyemi emphasized that performance democracy is crucial for sustaining Nigerian democracy and ushering in good governance through participation, accountability, and attention to government deliverables.
According to Dr. Akinyemi, performance democracy is central to CADI's philosophy, which posits that democracy cannot just end with voting. He stressed that an election allows citizens to choose representatives and leaders, but democracy must continue through participation, accountability, and attention to what government actually delivers. CADI's initiative seeks to move Nigerians from seeing democracy as an event to experiencing it as a process. This approach enables citizens to pay attention to the quality of public services, institutional effectiveness, community development, and the responsible use of public resources.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of CADI, Dr. Ehizogie Otoibhi, highlighted the importance of performance democracy in enabling Nigerians to move from democracy as an event to democracy as an experience. He stated that performance democracy challenges citizens to pay attention not only to who occupies public office but also to what public office produces. Dr. Otoibhi emphasized that performance democracy requires an active citizenry, where every individual has a role to play in choosing leaders based on values, understanding public policy, and engaging government.
Dr. Otoibhi further stressed that citizens do not disappear from the democratic process after casting their ballots. He emphasized that leadership development is crucial in producing individuals prepared to serve, not just seek positions. Additionally, community service is vital in reminding citizens that national development begins with the willingness to contribute locally. CADI's initiative aims to foster a culture of active citizenship and community engagement.
The BoT chairman highlighted CADI's objectives and philosophy, which are rooted in the conviction that a nation's quality is shaped not only by its leaders but also by the quality of its citizens and their level of participation in national affairs. For too long, conversations about national development have focused solely on leadership, neglecting the role of citizens. CADI seeks to address this gap by promoting active citizenship and community engagement.
CADI's initiative has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and professionals. The group believes that every sector has a role to play in promoting performance democracy. The media can inform the public and hold institutions accountable, while civil society can engage in civic education and public engagement. Professionals can bring knowledge and expertise to public conversations, and government can translate public resources and mandates into tangible results.
As the 2027 general election approaches, CADI's initiative is poised to shape the democratic landscape in Nigeria. By promoting performance democracy, the group aims to empower citizens to demand accountability and effective governance from their leaders. Ultimately, CADI's efforts seek to contribute to the development of a more participatory, inclusive, and responsive democracy in Nigeria.
Key points
- CADI promotes performance democracy as a means to achieve good governance in Nigeria through active citizenship and accountability.
- The group's initiative includes education and engagement efforts to empower citizens to demand effective governance.
- CADI's philosophy emphasizes that democracy must continue beyond voting through participation and attention to government deliverables.
