The GoNigeria Initiative has announced a significant expansion of its mandate, moving beyond voter mobilisation to advocate for electoral reform, freedom of speech, judicial independence, and security, describing these pillars as essential to Nigeria’s democratic survival.
In a statement titled “Important Overview On Nigeria’s Democratic Path” dated 11 February 2026, the organisation stressed that strengthening democratic institutions requires more than elections alone.
“It is imperative to ensure that democratic principles and institutions take root,” the release said, emphasising that sustaining democracy demands a deeper understanding of what life in a free society entails, the institutional frameworks that uphold it, and the personal behaviors necessary for it to endure.
Originally conceived to promote youth participation in the electoral process, the initiative encouraged young Nigerians to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, and actively participate in elections.
“GoNigeria considers it necessary to expand its mandate to include advocacy for electoral reform, freedom of speech, judicial reform, and the security of life and property,” the statement said, adding that credible democracy requires far more than periodic voting.
The initiative described electoral reform as central to democratic legitimacy.
It warned that flawed elections, marked by vote-buying, result manipulation, intimidation, and weak administration, have often eroded public confidence in democratic processes.
“Without credible elections, democracy risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive,” it said.
GoNigeria identified freedom of speech as the lifeblood of democratic governance, cautioning that silencing dissent risks sliding into authoritarianism even if elections continue.
On the judiciary, the organisation noted: “An independent, efficient, and credible judiciary is the backbone of constitutional democracy.
”When the judiciary is weak, politicised, or corrupt, democracy loses both its moral authority and legal foundation.”
The statement also highlighted the critical role of security, noting that citizens cannot participate meaningfully in democratic processes under conditions of fear and violence.
Persistent insecurity, it warned, has restricted participation, undermined legitimacy, and disrupted economic life.
GoNigeria urged Nigerians to actively engage in defending democratic principles.
“Join us and defend democracy,” it said, calling for collective responsibility in nurturing and safeguarding the nation’s democratic institutions.
