KDI Launches Civic Space Accountability Platform, Seeks end to Impunity in Nigeria

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu, on Friday unveiled a new accountability platform aimed at documenting, tracking and responding to violations affecting civic space and democratic freedoms in Nigeria.

Speaking at the National Dialogue on Building Resilient Civic Spaces in Nigeria held in Abuja, Idowu said the initiative was designed to strengthen civic participation, promote accountability and protect the rights of citizens, civil society organisations, media practitioners and human rights defenders across the country.

According to him, the platform would serve as a central tool for reporting incidents, documenting evidence and ensuring sustained advocacy around issues affecting civic freedom and human rights.

“Civic space is not an abstract concept. It is the foundation that allows democracy to function.

When citizens can speak, organise, participate and demand accountability without fear, democracy becomes stronger and more meaningful,” he said.

Idowu noted that the platform was developed through broad consultations and partnerships with over 120 civil society organisations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He explained that the initiative became necessary in view of growing concerns over shrinking civic space, intimidation of citizens and weak accountability mechanisms in the country.

“Nigeria now has a tool for accountability, a platform to document incidents, strengthen evidence, support response mechanisms and promote the protection of civic freedom.

“Democracy cannot grow where civic space is shrinking, and accountability cannot thrive where violations are undocumented,” he added.

Meanwhile, Idowu expressed concern over recurring cases of rights violations during political activities, including ongoing party primaries, alleging that many incidents were often ignored without consequences for perpetrators.

“We have seen how rights of people have been violated, even as members, candidates and aspirants. We have seen gunshots and the use of state institutions to intimidate people. But who is holding people accountable? Where can these incidents even be properly reported or referenced?” he queried.

He said the platform would ensure that cases of abuse and civic violations remain in public discourse until justice is achieved.

“We don’t want a situation where something happens and, after one or two weeks, another incident takes over and the previous one fades away.

“We want to keep these issues on the front burner so everybody can go back and see what happened and what has or has not been done about it,” he said.

Referencing the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, Idowu questioned the implementation of reports submitted by various state panels of inquiry.

“After EndSARS, what happened to the reports? How many people have been compensated? About 26 states set up committees, but what has happened to the reports?

“We cannot continue to sweep issues under the carpet. We need to begin to hold people accountable,” he said.

He further stressed that the platform would also play a significant role ahead of future elections by tracking electoral-related human rights abuses and ensuring that offenders, whether individuals or institutions, are held responsible for their actions.

Idowu called on government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, development partners and citizens to collectively support efforts aimed at keeping Nigeria’s civic space open, safe and accountable.