Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on civil liberties in Nigeria, warning that shrinking civic space poses a serious threat to democracy as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) said civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders continue to face harassment, surveillance, and restrictive regulations that undermine their work.

Hajia Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General of WRAPA, said civic space remains “the heartbeat of democracy” and must not be undermined.

“When it is under siege, it shrinks freedoms and painfully erodes the foundations of participatory democracy and accountable governance,” she noted.

According to the CSOs, laws such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020) and the Cybercrime Act, while useful, have been “undemocratically applied” to silence dissent, stifle expression, and discourage independent organizing.

Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, emphasized that Nigerians are eager to participate in governance and hold leaders accountable, but restrictions are shutting down those opportunities.

“The outcomes of the Civic Space, Poverty and Election (CISPEN) project have shown the deep yearnings of Nigerians across social, economic, and political divides to speak, to participate, and to hold duty bearers accountable through elections,” he said.

The organizations also raised the alarm over the link between restricted freedoms and other democratic challenges such as poverty and electoral distrust.

They warned that continued harassment of activists and civic groups undermines citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.

The CSOs pledged to sustain advocacy with the National Assembly, INEC, the Judiciary, and security agencies, stressing the need to enshrine their recommendations into constitutional and legislative reforms.

Mrs. Eze Tracy of Centre LSD added that the Judiciary must uphold its role as “guardian and protector of democracy and the rights of citizens to demand accountability.”

The groups concluded by calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate neutrality and openness while embracing operational reforms that will restore public confidence ahead of the polls.

Vanguard