The International Day of Democracy, observed on September 15, 2025, offers an opportunity to consider themes such as inclusivity, human rights, participation, accountability, and governance. In connection with this event, some civil society organisations have requested that democratic principles be reflected in governance systems. The organisations—Media Rights Agenda, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDDAfrica), United
The International Day of Democracy, observed on September 15, 2025, offers an opportunity to consider themes such as inclusivity, human rights, participation, accountability, and governance. In connection with this event, some civil society organisations have requested that democratic principles be reflected in governance systems.
The organisations—Media Rights Agenda, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDDAfrica), United Nations Human Rights (UNHR), and AdvoKC—in their respective statements, underscored the pillars of democracy as foundational to inclusion, freedom of expression, the broadening of civic space, and the pursuit of justice for all individuals.
Under the theme “Ensuring Effective Governance of AI at All Levels,” the 2025 World Democracy Day focuses on the advancement of artificial intelligence, its impact on global democratic governance and processes, and strategies to harness its benefits while mitigating risks to democratic institutions and practices.
In its statement, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), addressing the sub-theme of gender inclusion titled “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” observed an increasing underrepresentation of women in governance at various levels. MRA stated that gender equality is both a human right and an essential component for building a resilient and inclusive democracy.
In a statement released by Mr. John Gbadamosi, Programme Officer of MRA, the organisation underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles beyond elections, advocating for transparent and accountable governance. The statement further highlighted the necessity of ensuring equal participation and guaranteeing human rights. It was specifically noted that women should be afforded equal opportunities to advance in key government positions.
MRA noted that, “Democracy is strengthened when all individuals, regardless of gender, can participate equally in shaping their societies. In Nigeria, women encounter significant barriers to participation in politics, governance, and the media, as well as other sectors.”
“Structural inequalities, gender-based violence, online harassment, and under-representation in decision-making processes undermine both women’s rights and the quality of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Achieving gender equality, step by step and action by action, is central to building the open, just, and accountable Nigeria we all desire.”
The organisations further emphasised that restrictions on freedom of expression and attacks on the media present significant risks to democracy. According to them, democracy cannot flourish when citizens are denied access to information, when the media faces hostility, and when dissenting voices are suppressed.
“Although democracy has not yet delivered its full dividends in Nigeria, it still offers the best path forward for the country, as through collective step-by-step action, we can build a democracy that works for everyone.”
MRA further urged the “Federal and State Governments to guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom by ending attacks, harassment, and censorship of journalists and media workers; fully implementing the FOI Act to ensure transparency and accountability in governance; and safeguard digital rights and Internet freedom by enacting rights-respecting regulations that foster access, innovation, and citizen participation.
“Gender equality must be built step by step, through laws, policies, and everyday practices that dismantle discrimination and create equal opportunities for women and men. Only then can we truly say that our democracy is inclusive and representative.”
Holding a similar position, AdvoKC, another civil society organisation, called on the government to make it a point of duty to remember and practice a people-centric democracy, which will always ensure the power of the people and the principles that uphold a just society are respected.
The organisation emphasised transparency and accountability as the effort to build an equitable system where there is freedom to speak the truth to power without victimisation, noting that it is a stronghold to build a just world.
“Democracy is not just about elections; it’s a living commitment found in the quiet act of casting a ballot, the courage to speak truth to power, and the collective effort to build an inclusive and equitable world. It is the daily work of holding leaders accountable, demanding transparency, and protecting every citizen’s voice.
“On this day, let’s recommit to the values of freedom, equality, and justice, and remember that together, we can shape a future where everyone has a seat at the table.
In its statement, the United Nations Human Rights (UNHR) also calls for freedom of expression and the respect for the rules of law, as there is a growing inequality across the world. Thereby, the international body calls for respect for the voice of the people in policymaking.
“Democracy is the expression of the people’s will. It lives through voting, free expression, collective action, and protest. Democracy belongs to all of us. It thrives on participation, inclusion and the rule of law.
The future cannot be decided for us. We have to decide it ourselves. Today, the International Day of Democracy, reminds us of what’s at stake. Powerful interests push back. Communities most at risk are too often ignored,” the United Nations said.
More so, the Centre for Democracy Development (CDD) advocated for inclusive governance to hold the tenet of democracy in the digital age, acknowledging that the new wave of technology must be used to serve the interests of the people instead of working against them.
CDD maintains that the commemoration of International Democracy Day is serving as “a timely reminder that democracy must evolve to meet the challenges of the digital age. We believe democracy must not only represent the people, but also protect them from unchecked power, whether military or machine.
As platforms grow more powerful and civic space shrinks, the need for accountability, transparency, and citizen voice has never been more urgent.”
