The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have called for greater citizen participation, protection of human rights and accountability in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The organisations made the call in a statement signed by the Director of The Electoral Hub, Princess Abijah Hamman Obels, to mark the 2026 International Day of Democracy on September 15.
They said democracy should extend beyond elections, with citizens given opportunities to engage their representatives, contribute to public decisions, influence policies and hold public institutions accountable.
“Democracy is more than choosing leaders; it is about ensuring every voice counts, every right is protected, and every citizen has a meaningful place in governance,” the organisations said.
They urged governments to create platforms for citizen participation, protect freedom of expression and access to information, and ensure that public policies and services respond to the needs of citizens.
The organisations also called on parliaments and legislators to strengthen laws protecting human rights, exercise effective oversight and create spaces where citizens can make their voices heard.
They specifically urged lawmakers to pass the Special Seats for Women Bill, while asking political parties to open up their structures to women, young people, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
The statement said women should be recognised as leaders, decision makers and policymakers, rather than being engaged mainly as voters and campaign mobilisers.
It also called for the removal of physical, technological, informational, financial and institutional barriers affecting the participation of persons with disabilities.
The organisations said the media and digital platforms have a responsibility to provide accurate, independent and responsible information, while civil society groups should continue to promote civic education, monitor public institutions and defend human rights.
They noted that the United Nations theme for the 2026 International Day of Democracy is “When Every Voice Counts, Democracy Delivers,” while the Inter Parliamentary Union’s theme is “Bring Human Rights into Focus.”
According to the statement, the two themes reinforce the importance of participation and human rights to a functioning democracy.
“Democracy must be measured not only by how leaders are elected, but by whether citizens can influence decisions, exercise their rights, access essential services, and participate equitably in shaping their communities and country,” the organisations said.
They urged Nigerians to speak up, vote, seek information, engage their representatives, participate in community decisions and demand accountability, stressing that citizens should not wait until election day to exercise their democratic rights.
