The Oyo State Government has announced that it has emerged as Nigeria's best-performing state in democratic governance, according to the 2025 Democracy Performance Index released by the Kimpact Development Initiative and published by StatiSense. The state scored 70 per cent, placing it at the top of the national ranking. This achievement is attributed to the state's excellence in electoral participation, institutional effectiveness, civil liberties, and political inclusion.
According to Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Oyo State excelled in areas where many other states continue to falter. The state's high score is a result of active citizen participation in elections, effective institutions, and protected civic freedoms, creating a stable, inclusive, and responsive democratic environment. This recognition is a testament to the state's growing reputation for stability, accountability, and citizen-centred leadership.
The Oyo State Government's commitment to democratic governance is complemented by another major recognition: Phillips Consulting's 2025 Liveability Index ranked Oyo State as the most liveable state in Nigeria. The assessment highlights the state's growing appeal in terms of infrastructure quality, security, economic opportunity, environmental cleanliness, healthcare, and education access, and overall urban planning.
Governor Seyi Makinde responded to the recognition, stating that the rating reflects the deliberate choices made to put people at the centre of governance. He emphasized that building systems that work and creating an environment where citizens feel safe, respected, and included leads to progress. The Governor's statement underscores the state's focus on citizen-centred leadership and its efforts to create a conducive environment for its citizens.
Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju further explained that Oyo's democratic performance is rooted in higher voter turnout, more consistent collection of Permanent Voter Cards, stronger legislative oversight, clearer fiscal accountability, greater media freedom, and a more enabling environment for civil society and political inclusion. These factors have contributed to the state's high score in the democracy performance index.
The Kimpact Development Initiative and StatiSense report highlights Oyo State's achievements in democratic governance, while Phillips Consulting's Liveability Index emphasizes the state's growing appeal. These recognitions demonstrate Oyo State's commitment to creating a stable, inclusive, and responsive democratic environment and a liveable state for its citizens.
The state's emergence as Nigeria's best-performing state in democratic governance and its top ranking in the liveability index are significant achievements that reflect the state's efforts to prioritize citizen-centred leadership and create a conducive environment for its citizens. These recognitions will likely have a positive impact on the state's development and its citizens' quality of life.
Key points
- Oyo State scored 70 per cent in the 2025 Democracy Performance Index.
- Oyo State was ranked as the most liveable state in Nigeria by Phillips Consulting's 2025 Liveability Index.
- The state's high score is attributed to its excellence in electoral participation, institutional effectiveness, civil liberties, and political inclusion.
