Today, as Nigeria observes Democracy Day, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) joins millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the country’s journey toward democratic governance, an imperfect but vital march powered by the will of the people.
Over the past 26 years, we have witnessed commendable gains: peaceful transitions of power, a more engaged electorate, and growing civic awareness. However, these strides are increasingly threatened by creeping authoritarianism, executive overreach, and weakened institutions. The true test of democracy lies in the distribution of power, access to justice, and the delivery of public goods at all levels of governance.
Nowhere is this tension more evident than in Rivers State, where the federal government recently declared a six-month state of emergency, suspending the democratically elected governor, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. Though framed as a response to rising insecurity and political unrest, the move has raised significant constitutional and ethical concerns.
A recent survey by Premium Times reveals that 68% of residents in Rivers state opposed the state of emergency, with 65% considering it illegal, and nearly 9 in 10 respondents disputing the claim that insecurity justifies federal intervention.
“Democracy does not thrive through decrees,” said Abideen Olasupo, Global Director of BBYDI. “The situation in Rivers is a reminder that Nigeria’s democracy remains vulnerable when institutions are sidelined, and due process is disregarded.”
BBYDI joins other civil society actors in calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Rivers State and an independent legislative inquiry into the use of emergency powers.
Nigeria’s democratic promise lies in a tier that has long been overlooked: local government. The repeated erosion of local autonomy has deprived citizens of responsive governance, diminished grassroots development, and undermined federalism itself.
Through our flagship initiative, Local Government 2.0, BBYDI is working to change this narrative. The project is currently building capacity across local government councils in Oyo and Ekiti States, equipping officials with the tools to improve financial transparency, service delivery, and civic engagement.
“Democracy is only as strong as its most local expression,” Olasupo noted. “When power flows from the grassroots upward, governance becomes more accountable and effective.”
Since its launch, Local Government 2.0 has trained over 150 council officials across these states, introducing systems for participatory budgeting, citizen feedback loops, and responsive policy-making.
On this Democracy Day, BBYDI urges all stakeholders to move beyond ceremonial gestures and embrace the hard work of democratic renewal.
We call on:
- The Federal Government to restore constitutional order in Rivers and refrain from politically motivated declarations of emergency.
- The National Assembly to review the limits of executive power under Section 305 of the Constitution and ensure safeguards against misuse.
- State Governments to commit to full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments, including passage of enabling laws before the end of 2025.
- Citizens, youth, and CSOs to continue defending Nigeria’s civic space and demanding accountability at all levels.
A Vision for the Future
“We honour our democratic heroes by celebrating milestones and defending the principles they fought for,” said Sanni Alausa-Issa, Communications Director of BBYDI. “If democracy must deliver, especially for young people, women, and the underserved, it must be decentralised, inclusive, and fiercely protected from abuse. That is the Nigeria we believe in, and the one we are building, community by community, ward by ward.”
Sanni Alausa-Issa
Communications Director
Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI)