GoNigeria expands mandate, calls for deeper democratic reforms
The GoNigeria Initiative has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria, urging a shift from a narrow focus on periodic elections to building credible institutions that guarantee accountability, justice,
The GoNigeria Initiative has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria, urging a shift from a narrow focus on periodic elections to building credible institutions that guarantee accountability, justice, and security for citizens.
In a statement signed by its convener, Atedo Peterside, the initiative announced an expanded mandate that now includes advocacy for electoral reform, protection of free speech, judicial reform, and improved security of lives and property, pillars it described as essential for sustaining democratic governance.
Originally established as a youth mobilization platform under the ANAP Foundation, GoNigeria gained national visibility for encouraging young Nigerians to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and participate in elections.
Over recent election cycles, the campaign helped drive engagement among first-time voters and civil society groups. However, the initiative now argues that broader institutional reforms are necessary if Nigeria’s democracy is to evolve beyond electoral rituals.
“Building a durable democracy requires far more than periodic elections,” the statement said. “It demands strong institutions, protected rights, and security structures that command public trust and ensure accountable governance.”
GoNigeria identified electoral reform as central to democratic legitimacy, noting that credible elections remain a key test of a nation’s commitment to democratic values.
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The group cited persistent concerns about electoral irregularities — including allegations of vote-buying, result manipulation, voter intimidation, and administrative weaknesses — as factors eroding public trust.
“Without credible elections, democracy risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive,” the statement said, adding that reforms would strengthen leadership legitimacy, reduce violence, and encourage participation.
The initiative stressed the importance of safeguarding free expression, describing it as essential to democratic governance.
According to the group, freedom of speech enables citizens, media, and civic organizations to scrutinize authority, express opinions, and promote inclusion.
“A democracy that silences dissent risks sliding into authoritarianism, even if elections continue to hold,” the statement warned.
GoNigeria also underscored the importance of an independent and credible judiciary in sustaining constitutional democracy.
Judicial reform, it said, is vital for upholding the rule of law, protecting rights, resolving political disputes, and combating corruption.
“When the judiciary is perceived as weak, politicized, or susceptible to corruption, democracy loses both its moral authority and legal foundation,” the statement noted.
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The initiative described citizen security as a non-negotiable foundation of democracy. It linked ongoing security challenges — including insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes, and political violence — to declining voter participation and weakened national legitimacy.
“Citizens cannot participate meaningfully in democratic processes under conditions of fear and violence,” the group said, warning that insecurity can encourage authoritarian responses and undermine governance and economic development.
Beyond institutional reforms, GoNigeria urged Nigerians to embrace democratic values as a shared civic responsibility.
According to Peterside, a stable and enduring democracy requires both strong institutions and citizens who value freedom, tolerance, and participation.
“Democracy depends not just on laws and structures, but also on citizens imbibing the habits and values that sustain it,” the statement said.
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The statement was issued on behalf of the initiative’s 24 advocates, a group comprising civic leaders, technocrats, clerics, and creatives. They include:
Atedo Peterside (Convener); Abubakar Siddique Mohammed; Aisha Yesufu; Arunma Oteh; Ayisha Osori; Obonganwan Barbara Etim James; Binta Max Gbinije; Dike Chukwumerije; Dudu Mamman Manuga; Falz (Folarin Falana); Hamzat Lawal; Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri; Kashim Ibrahim-Imam; Matthew Kukah; Muhammad Ali Pate; Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Ngozi Coker; Nuruddeen Lemu; Osita Chidoka; Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman; Sola Akinyede; Tomiwa Aladekomo; and Tony Rapu.
As GoNigeria advances its broader agenda, the initiative reiterated that democratic progress requires more than elections held every four years; it requires sustained advocacy for institutions and rights that make those elections meaningful.
“Democracy in Nigeria must become more than a procedure. It must become transformative,” the statement concluded.
GoNigeria is an initiative of the ANAP Foundation dedicated to promoting good governance, civic engagement, and democratic participation across Nigeria.
