The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has issued an assessment of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, warning that the country’s institutional foundations have significantly deteriorated since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
The critique, delivered during commemorations marking the eighth anniversary of the death of Professor Abubakar Momoh, CHRICED’s pioneer chairman, comes as Nigeria observes 26 years of uninterrupted civil governance and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second year in office.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED argued that the democratic ideals championed by Professor Momoh – described as an “activist-scholar” who dedicated over three decades to advancing democratic governance and civil liberties – have been systematically undermined.
Executive Dominance Weakens Democratic Institutions
The organisation highlighted what it termed the dangerous concentration of power within the executive branch, reducing other arms of government to subservient roles. According to CHRICED, the National Assembly has been transformed from “the heartbeat of democracy” into “a mere extension of the executive’s agenda.”
The group pointed to alarming legislative statistics, noting that out of over 800 proposed bills in the past two years, only 23 have been enacted, with most serving executive interests rather than addressing citizens’ needs. This legislative paralysis, they argued, demonstrates lawmakers’ prioritisation of political interests over national welfare.
CHRICED specifically criticised the hasty passage of the National Anthem Bill while crucial legislation, including the Food Pricing Bill and Electoral Reform Bill, remains stalled. The organisation also questioned the “reckless approval” of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, alleging it contains controversial projects worth trillions of naira that raise serious transparency concerns.
The judiciary has not escaped criticism, with CHRICED noting that it has been “plagued by questionable decisions,” contributing to the overall erosion of institutional integrity.
Economic Policies Under Fire
Drawing on Professor Momoh’s pan-African scholarly perspective, CHRICED launched a fierce critique of the government’s economic policies, which it claimed prioritise global financial institutions’ prescriptions over citizens’ welfare.
The organisation argued that the Tinubu administration continues implementing policies “dictated by the World Bank and IMF“—including fuel subsidy removal, floating exchange rates, and increased borrowing—without adequate consideration of their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
“Rather than focusing on sustainable, homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges, the government remains trapped in a cycle of debt dependency, further deepening poverty and exacerbating inequality,” the statement read.
CHRICED stated that Professor Momoh had consistently warned against blindly implementing austerity measures that prioritise economic metrics over human development, advocating instead for social interventions to cushion reform impacts.
Democracy’s Unfulfilled Promises
The civil rights organisation painted a bleak picture of democratic progress, arguing that millions of Nigerians facing unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship have yet to experience democracy’s promised benefits.
“The erosion of free speech, lack of credible elections, and the commodification of justice have left the nation worse off than it was in 1999,” CHRICED declared, suggesting that democratic governance has failed to deliver meaningful improvements to citizens’ lives.
The organisation identified several areas where democratic backsliding has occurred, including restrictions on civil liberties, questionable electoral processes, and the apparent commercialisation of justice systems.
Call for Presidential Reflection
CHRICED directly addressed President Tinubu, suggesting his second anniversary in office should serve as “a moment for reflection—a time to reassess policies, mend governance failures, and chart a new course toward genuine democratic progress.”
The organisation urged the government to honour Professor Momoh’s legacy by recommitting to core democratic values, including free and fair elections, the rule of law, separation of powers, and robust civil society engagement.
Legacy of an Activist-Scholar
Professor Abubakar Momoh, who died eight years ago, was remembered as an exceptional scholar, activist, and visionary leader whose intellectual contributions earned him recognition as an “activist-scholar.” His ability to blend rigorous academic inquiry with practical advocacy made him a revered figure among civil society organisations and a trusted ally in pursuing social justice.
CHRICED concluded by positioning Professor Momoh’s legacy as “a guiding light—a reminder that true democracy requires vigilance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” calling on Nigerians to demand accountability and work collectively to uphold democratic ideals.
The statement reflects growing civil society frustration with the pace and direction of democratic development in Africa’s most populous nation.
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