GoNigeria Initiative Expands Mandate, Seeks Electoral, Judicial Reforms

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 

The GoNigeria Initiative, a civic engagement platform backed by the ANAP Foundation, has expanded its mandate beyond voter mobilisation to include advocacy for electoral reform, protection of free speech, judicial independence and improved security, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The group said the decision followed growing concerns that democracy in Nigeria cannot be sustained by elections alone but requires stronger institutions, protected rights and a secure environment that encourages citizen participation and accountable governance.

In a statement issued by its Convener, Atedo Peterside, GoNigeria said the initiative was originally conceived to promote citizen participation in elections, particularly among young Nigerians. 

The initiative is supported by a group of prominent public figures serving as advocates, including Muhammadu Sanusi II, Matthew Kukah, Osita Chidoka, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Ayisha Osori, Folarin Falana, Tony Rapu, Yemi Adamolekun, among others.

The platform, according to the statement, previously focused on encouraging eligible voters to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.

However, it noted that Nigeria’s democratic journey requires broader reforms that address deeper institutional weaknesses affecting the credibility of elections, the rule of law and citizens’ freedoms.

According to the group, electoral reform remains central to democratic legitimacy because elections serve as the primary mechanism through which citizens choose their leaders. It argued that recurring challenges such as vote-buying, intimidation, manipulation of results and weak electoral administration have often eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

The initiative stated that strengthening electoral processes would help ensure credible leadership selection, expand political participation, reduce post-election disputes and enhance accountability in governance.

Beyond electoral issues, the organisation emphasised the importance of protecting freedom of speech, describing it as the lifeblood of democratic governance. It noted that a society where citizens, civil society groups and the media can freely express diverse opinions is better equipped to scrutinise those in power and ensure informed political choices.

GoNigeria warned that democracies that suppress dissent risk drifting toward authoritarian tendencies even when elections continue to be conducted.

The group also called for comprehensive judicial reform, stressing that an independent and credible judiciary is critical to sustaining constitutional democracy. It said the courts play a central role in upholding the rule of law, resolving electoral disputes, protecting fundamental rights and combating corruption.

According to the initiative, when the judiciary is perceived as weak, politicised or compromised, democracy loses both its legal foundation and public trust.

“However, GoNigeria considers it necessary to expand its mandate to include advocacy for electoral reform, freedom of speech, judicial reform, and the security of life and property. This expansion is driven by the recognition that building a durable democracy in Nigeria requires far more than periodic elections. It depends on strong institutions, protected rights, and security structures that command public trust and ensure accountable governance.

“Electoral reform, freedom of speech, judicial reform, and security are foundational pillars that directly address Nigeria’s longstanding challenges of legitimacy, participation, justice, and state authority,” the group added.

Security, the organisation added, remains another key pillar necessary for democratic stability. It observed that persistent insecurity across parts of the country, from insurgency and banditry to kidnapping and communal conflicts, has weakened state legitimacy and discouraged citizen participation in democratic processes.

The group noted that violence and the use of political thugs during elections further undermine public confidence in governance and restrict political engagement.

GoNigeria warned that without credible elections, strong institutions and adequate security, democracy in Nigeria risks remaining largely procedural rather than transformative.

“Security is a fundamental precondition for democracy. Citizens cannot participate meaningfully in democratic processes under conditions of fear and violence. In Nigeria, persistent insecurity—manifested through insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, deployment of thugs during elections and other crimes—undermine democracy.

“(These happen by): Restricting political participation; eroding state legitimacy; encouraging authoritarian responses; and disrupting economic life,” the organisation emphasised.

It added that democratic governance ultimately depends not only on laws and institutions but also on citizens who understand, value and actively defend democratic principles.

“Democracy can only thrive where citizens appreciate what it means to live in a free society and where they actively participate in shaping governance,” the group said, urging Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions.

The coalition said it would intensify public engagement and advocacy as part of efforts to deepen democratic culture and institutional reforms in Nigeria.