Nigerians have been urged to move beyond voting on election days and participate actively in democratic governance to promote electoral accountability and sustainable national development ahead of the 2027 general election. This call was made during a special radio programme organised in collaboration with the Aquamella X Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) in Rivers State. The programme brought together experts in election management, social accountability, and law to discuss the role of citizens in strengthening democratic processes.
A former electoral officer, Innocent Ekwulo, who spent 35 years in Nigeria’s election management system, emphasised that democracy should extend beyond periodic elections. According to him, citizens must continuously participate in the affairs of the country because government decisions directly affect their quality of life. Ekwulo also advocated early civic education to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians. He shared an experience from a voter registration exercise at a university in Anambra State in 2021, where a student questioned the financial benefits of registering to vote.
Ekwulo argued that Nigerian youths, particularly students, have the numerical strength to influence political processes if they become more conscious of their civic responsibilities. He believes that if young people are educated about their civic duties, they can play a significant role in shaping the country's future. The former electoral officer's comments highlight the need for increased civic engagement among young Nigerians.
A research scholar and social accountability expert, Dr Amaechi Justin, said democracy should translate into improved socio-economic conditions for citizens. Justin emphasised that citizens should have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making and influence the direction of their communities and country. He also addressed concerns about voter apathy and electoral integrity, stressing that protecting votes should primarily be the responsibility of relevant state institutions.
Dr Justin urged political parties to complement campaign manifestos with public education on policies, and encouraged young people to use digital platforms for civic education and political awareness. He noted that democracy is a long-term process, saying, “Democracy is not a sprint; it is a journey,” and urged citizens to remain engaged despite challenges confronting democratic institutions. Justin's comments underscore the importance of sustained citizen engagement in democratic processes.
Another speaker, Dr Karl Marshal Jumbo, highlighted the importance of public confidence in elections, which is closely connected to respect for the choices expressed by voters. He stressed the need for constructive interaction between leaders and citizens in strengthening democratic participation. The panel discussion emphasised that effective democracy requires sustained citizen engagement, accountability, and vigilance beyond election periods.
The speakers called on civil society organisations, professional associations, and student unions to provide platforms for civic education and democratic participation. They also emphasised the need for collective action to promote electoral accountability and sustainable national development. The radio programme aimed to raise awareness about the importance of civic participation in Nigeria's democratic processes, particularly ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key points
- Experts urge Nigerians to move beyond voting and actively participate in democratic governance.
- Citizens must continuously participate in the affairs of the country to promote electoral accountability.
- Effective democracy requires sustained citizen engagement, accountability, and vigilance beyond election periods.
