36 States Under Democracy Lens as Kimpact Unveils Governance Report

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A major assessment of democratic governance across Nigeria’s 36 states will be unveiled on Tuesday as Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) launches its much-anticipated State of Democracy Performance in Nigeria Report in Abuja.

The report, described as the first comprehensive subnational review of democratic performance in the country, is expected to provide a data-driven scorecard on how democracy is working, beyond the federal level and within the states where citizens directly experience governance.

The unveiling will take place during a High-Level Stakeholder Policy Dialogue in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, the organisation said the report offered an evidence-based examination of democratic realities across the states, focusing on whether institutions are delivering for the people.

According to the statement, the assessment covers key governance indicators, such as electoral participation, political inclusion, institutional effectiveness, transparency, rule of law, and civic space.

The report is expected to trigger fresh national conversations on accountability, citizen participation, and the quality of governance at the grassroots, especially amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, weak institutions, and declining public trust.

KDI said the event would bring together governors, lawmakers, senior policymakers, diplomats, development partners, civil society leaders, and governance experts to interrogate the findings and chart pathways for democratic reforms.

The organisation added that the report would serve as a living accountability tool to be updated periodically, enabling citizens, governments, and stakeholders to monitor progress, identify setbacks, and drive reforms.

The release of the report comes at a critical time when demands for transparency, stronger institutions, and inclusive governance are intensifying across the federation.

Kimpact Development Initiative is an independent non-governmental organisation focused on promoting citizen-led democratic development through research, policy advocacy, institutional strengthening, and capacity development.