By: Abdullahi Inuwa
As Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 democratic struggle and 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised the alarm over worsening insecurity, warning that it now poses a serious threat to democracy and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued on June 11, 2025, CAPPA said the rising wave of kidnappings, terrorism, banditry and communal violence across the country is eroding citizens’ confidence in the democratic system and undermining national stability.
The organisation cautioned that “democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel, farm, send their children to school, or participate in elections,” adding that the situation has reached a critical point requiring urgent national action.
CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said the country’s security crisis represents a direct assault on the fundamental responsibilities of the state.
“No Nigerian should have to plead for their life before a camera while criminal groups operate with impunity,” Ibeh said. “These tragedies reflect a profound failure to protect life and property.”
The group expressed concern over what it described as the alarming scale of kidnapping-for-ransom, revealing that thousands of Nigerians have been abducted in nearly 1,000 incidents within the past year. It also noted that hundreds of lives have been lost in kidnapping-related violence, while billions of naira have reportedly been paid as ransom.
Particularly disturbing, CAPPA said, is the continued targeting of schoolchildren, women and young girls, many of whom remain in captivity under traumatic conditions, often featured in distressing videos circulating on social media.
The organisation called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations, ensure the prosecution of criminal networks, and improve communication with affected families and the general public to reduce fear and misinformation.
It also warned that persistent insecurity could significantly affect voter turnout and participation in the 2027 elections, noting that displaced communities and frightened citizens may be effectively excluded from the democratic process.
CAPPA urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, community policing, early warning systems, inter-agency cooperation and prosecution of offenders, while also addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, corruption and social exclusion.
As the nation reflects on the significance of June 12, CAPPA stressed that democracy must go beyond elections and must guarantee safety, dignity and freedom for all citizens.
“The promise of June 12 is the sovereignty of the people,” the group said. “That promise is meaningless if Nigerians cannot live without fear.”
About The Author
