By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, stronger protection for press freedom and strict observance of the rule of law, saying these remain critical to the survival and growth of the nation’s democracy.
Marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the civil society coalition said June 12 stands as a historic reminder of Nigerians’ struggle for democratic governance, electoral justice and accountable leadership.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET noted that although Nigeria has sustained democratic rule for over two decades, citizens are increasingly demanding a system that delivers transparency, good governance, economic opportunities and meaningful participation in public affairs.
The organisation argued that democracy must be measured not only by the conduct of elections but also by the ability of government institutions to respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.
According to the group, governments at the federal, state and local levels must strengthen democratic institutions, encourage citizen participation in governance, deepen legislative oversight and ensure prudent management of public resources.
KONGONET also raised concerns over growing public skepticism about the credibility of elections, warning that confidence in democracy could erode further if citizens continue to doubt the integrity of the electoral process.
To address this challenge, it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), State Independent Electoral Commissions and other electoral bodies to conduct elections with greater transparency, professionalism, independence and fairness.
Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Kogi State, the network called on the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to guarantee a transparent process and provide equal opportunities for all political parties and candidates.
The coalition further appealed to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to maintain neutrality and professionalism while safeguarding voters, election officials, journalists, observers and other stakeholders.
It warned against the deployment of government resources, state-owned media platforms and security structures to confer unfair advantage on any political party or candidate, describing such practices as threats to democratic credibility.
KONGONET equally challenged political parties to uphold internal democracy by conducting transparent primaries, discouraging candidate imposition and creating more opportunities for women and young people to participate in leadership and electoral contests.
On media freedom, the organisation stressed that democracy thrives when journalists, civil society groups and citizens are free to express opinions, scrutinise public institutions and hold leaders accountable without fear of intimidation.
The network specifically condemned the reported arrest and detention of Kogi Reports Editor, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the NSCDC, describing the action as a troubling development capable of undermining public confidence in democratic governance.
It urged security agencies to respect constitutional freedoms and due process, emphasizing that disputes involving journalists and media organisations should be addressed through lawful channels rather than arbitrary arrests and detention.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, accountability, human rights and inclusive governance, KONGONET said the ideals of June 12 would only be fully realized when elections are credible, democratic institutions are trusted, press freedom is protected and governance genuinely reflects the will of the people.
“The strength of any democracy lies in the confidence of its citizens that their voices matter, their votes count and their freedoms are protected,” the statement said.