12/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE
June 12, 2026
DEMOCRACY ON TRIAL
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, we are once again confronted with the painful contradiction between the promises of democracy and the harsh realities faced daily by millions of Nigerians.
June 12 is not merely a date on the national calendar, it is a solemn reminder of sacrifice, courage, resistance, and the collective struggle for justice, accountability, and people centered governance. It represents the triumph of the people’s will over authoritarianism. However, decades after that historic struggle, many Nigerians continue to question whether the dividends of democracy are truly reaching the ordinary citizen.
Today, insecurity has become one of the defining features of our national existence. From terrorism to banditry, kidnappings, violent attacks, and the collapse of public safety in many parts of the country, Nigerians are living in fear while those entrusted with leadership continue to offer rhetoric instead of decisive solutions.
It is deeply troubling that under the current administration, citizens are increasingly burdened by economic hardship, rising inflation, unemployment, hunger, and a worsening cost of living crisis. While Nigerians continue to display extraordinary resilience and patriotism in the face of suffering, the government must understand that resilience should never be mistaken for acceptance of failure.
We strongly criticize the continued inability of the Federal Government to adequately address the alarming security situation across the country. Democracy cannot thrive where fear reigns. No nation develops when citizens cannot travel safely, farmers cannot access their farms, businesses are collapsing, and children cannot attend school without the threat of abduction.
Particularly heartbreaking is the recent kidnapping incident involving school children and teachers in Oyo State. The abduction of innocent students and educators is a direct assault on humanity, education, and the future of this nation. We call for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all the victims currently held in captivity.
The government must move beyond press statements and demonstrate genuine political will by deploying effective intelligence, strengthening local security architecture, supporting security agencies with adequate resources, and ensuring accountability at all levels of governance.
We also call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rise above political optics and confront the realities facing the nation with urgency, competence, and sincerity. Leadership is not measured by speeches but by the ability to protect lives, restore hope, and improve the welfare of citizens.
Despite these enormous challenges, we commend Nigerians for their courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the possibility of a better nation. Across every sector, ordinary Nigerians continue to work hard, support one another, build communities, and keep hope alive even when governance fails them. The Nigerian spirit remains one of the strongest forces holding this country together.
As we commemorate Democracy Day, we urge citizens not to lose faith in democratic engagement, civic participation, and the pursuit of accountability. Democracy is not sustained by leaders alone but by active citizens who continue to demand justice, transparency, and good governance.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together we must continue to speak against injustice, insecurity, oppression, and the systemic failures that threaten our collective future.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed,
Amb Chris Iyama,
Executive Director,
CYPA Africa.
