The West African Civil Society Institute, WACSI, said the 2023 general election in Nigeria would pose a significant test for the country’s democratic strength.
This was disclosed by the executive director of WACSI, Nana Afadzinu, at the official unveiling ceremony of the WACSI node office in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mrs Afadzinu observed that the various challenges plaguing the African continent have put the region at a crossroads.
According to her, the situation has necessitated the need for civil society organizations in the region to intensify efforts in responding to the challenges.
She said: “This is a critical time in our democratic journey, and the role of civil society is even more heightened and questioned in the response to the post-COVID challenges, the global economic crisis, and growing discontent among our people as many express their angst with the lack of dividends from our democratic project.”
“In the past two years, this situation has created fertile ground for the return of military coups in some parts of West Africa.
“One has to mention what has also been termed constitutional coups- the manipulation of constitutions by incumbent governments to prolong their terms of office.
“These are clear signals that there is democratic retrogression, and in a region plagued with other challenges, including Islamic militant insurgency, disputed elections, restrictions on media freedom and civic space, inadequate citizen participation in their own governance, and weak oversight institutions.
“The region is at a crossroad and for Nigeria, the 2023 elections would pose a key test of the strength of the country’s democracy. Civil society in Nigeria has a significant role to play in responding to these challenges.
“Nigeria’s position in Africa’s geo-politics cannot be underestimated and a strong civil society in Nigeria bodes well not only for Nigeria but for West Africa and indeed the continent,” she said.
Mrs Afadzinu explained that the Node office would enable the institute to work with partners in Nigeria to strengthen civic space in the country, and address resourcing challenges for civil society organizations.
She added that the institute will also focus on exploring alternative sources of funding and strengthening local philanthropy.
In his remarks, the special guest of honor, Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi, appealed to political actors not to undermine the unity of the country no matter where the pendulum swung, adding that Nigeria has a responsibility not only to its citizens but also to the African region.
“My concern with regard to 2023 is to ensure that however, it goes and whatever form it may take, first and foremost, the unity of this country is not in any way undermined in any way by any actors in the field.”
