Overview
In the lead-up to future electoral cycles, Nigeria is once again at a critical crossroads grappling with rising poverty, tightening civic space, and a growing distrust in electoral institutions. To confront these converging threats, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) is implementing the “Civic Space, Poverty, and Elections in Nigeria” project with support from WRAPA.
The project’s overarching aim is to strengthen democratic governance, advocate for electoral reforms, and expand civic space by equipping civil society with research, tools, and platforms for transformative engagement.
Why This Matters Now
Nigeria’s democracy is under pressure. While elections occur regularly, voter confidence remains low, civic participation is stifled, and INEC’s credibility is increasingly questioned. Meanwhile, poverty weakens the integrity of elections, as desperate citizens are vulnerable to vote-buying and clientelism.
Moreover, activists and CSOs—the traditional watchdogs of democratic accountability are facing an unprecedented assault on their ability to operate freely.
If unaddressed, these realities threaten to derail Nigeria’s democratic project altogether.
Project Objectives
This project is designed to achieve three urgent and interconnected goals:
- Push for merit-based, transparent criteria for appointing INEC Chair and Commissioners
- Promote electoral reforms that enhance transparency, participation, and public trust
- Defend and expand civic space so that civil society and citizens can engage government meaningfully
Implementation Strategy: A Phased Approach
The project is unfolding over six focused phases, each building on the next to drive lasting impact.
Phase 1: Inception and Planning
The project kicked off in March 2025 with internal alignment meetings, stakeholder mapping, and a baseline assessment that explored:
- The state of civic space
- The impact of poverty on electoral choices
- Gaps in current INEC appointment practices
This phase produced an inception report and a detailed stakeholder map, setting a strong foundation for evidence-based advocacy.
Phase 2: Research and Knowledge Production
Centre LSD commissioned five expert papers to inform public dialogue and guide advocacy, focusing on:
- INEC reform recommendations
- Legal frameworks for civic space protection
- Global best practices in electoral systems
These research outputs are shaping the conversation around credibility and inclusion in Nigeria’s electoral process
Phase 3: Thought Leaders’ Conference
In April 2025, Centre LSD convened a 2-day high-level conference bringing together 50 thought leaders, academics, media experts, and civil society actors. The forum:
- Shared findings from commissioned research
- Generated consensus on practical reform pathways
- Produced a joint advocacy roadmap for CSOs
Phase 4: Policy Dialogue Series
Two major dialogues—blending physical and virtual participation have brought together stakeholders from INEC, the National Assembly, CSOs, and electoral observers. Discussions have centered on:
- Legal and procedural reforms for INEC appointments
- Mechanisms to protect CSOs and civic actors from state repression
Outcomes from these sessions include two policy briefs and refined legislative recommendations, now being prepared for submission to government bodies.
Phase 5: Advocacy and Public Engagement
Centre LSD has launched targeted media campaigns and advocacy visits to raise awareness and build support. Current efforts include:
- Articles and radio appearances on INEC reform and civic freedom
- Advocacy briefings delivered to INEC leadership, National Assembly committees, and key MDAs
These engagements are reinforcing the case for reform in both public and policymaker circles.
Phase 6: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
The MEL team is tracking performance indicators and preparing for a mid-project review. A final report, lessons learned publication, and impact case studies will capture the project’s outcomes and learning.
Early Momentum and Emerging Impact
While still in progress, the project is already showing signs of strategic success:
- CSOs are increasingly unified around a common advocacy agenda for electoral credibility and civic rights
- INEC appointment reform is now a live issue in policy circles, thanks to the project’s media and briefing strategy
- The knowledge products developed are being requested by multiple partners, including election observer groups and development agencies
- Participating CSOs report improved capacity to engage government constructively, with a growing sense of political efficacy
Looking Ahead
As the project enters its final stretch, Centre LSD will focus on sustained policy engagement to ensure that the research and recommendations produced don’t just sit on shelves, but drive real institutional change.
Next steps include:
- Expanding media engagement through social media infographics and public op-eds
- Mobilizing CSOs for joint legislative hearings and petition submissions
- Publishing and distributing policy briefs to political parties, ministries, and international partners
Conclusion
The “Civic Space, Poverty, and Elections in Nigeria” project comes at a moment of both crisis and opportunity. By putting knowledge into action, and positioning civil society as a central voice in reform, Centre LSD is helping shape a future where elections are credible, civic space is protected, and democracy works for all Nigerians, not just the powerful.
