June 12: Insecurity Threatens Nigeria's Democratic Gains Ahead of 2027 Elections, CAPPA Warns

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that Nigeria's worsening insecurity poses a serious threat to the country's democratic progress and could undermine participation in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary, the organisation urged the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a direct challenge to democracy, the rule of law and electoral credibility.

CAPPA's Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said democracy cannot flourish when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence and other forms of criminality.

“Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,” Ibeh said.

The organisation expressed concern over the continued spread of kidnapping-for-ransom across the country, noting that mass abductions, including attacks on schools and educational institutions, remain a significant threat to national development.

According to CAPPA, available data show that at least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 kidnapping incidents between July 2024 and June 2025. During the same period, no fewer than 762 people were killed in kidnapping-related incidents, while victims' families reportedly paid an estimated N2.57 billion in ransom.

The group said the continued targeting of children, women and young girls was particularly disturbing, adding that many victims remain separated from their families for prolonged periods under traumatic conditions.

It also condemned videos circulating on social media showing kidnapped Nigerians being beaten, tortured and forced to appeal for ransom payments, describing them as evidence of the severe human cost of the country's security crisis.

“No Nigerian should have to plead for their life before a camera while criminal groups operate with impunity. No parent should have to endure the agony of not knowing whether a kidnapped child will return home alive. These tragedies represent a profound failure of the state's most fundamental responsibility, which is the protection of life and property,” Ibeh said.

President Bola Tinubu 

CAPPA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians currently in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.

The organisation also urged authorities to communicate more regularly with the public on rescue efforts and measures being taken to prevent future attacks.

According to CAPPA, the lack of official information is contributing to public anxiety and a growing sense of abandonment among affected families and communities.

The group warned that persistent insecurity could discourage voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Citizens who fear violence are less likely to engage in civic activities or turn out to vote. Communities displaced by insecurity face additional barriers to electoral participation. A democracy cannot be considered fully representative when large numbers of citizens are effectively excluded by fear and insecurity,” the statement said.

CAPPA further called for increased investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, surveillance and early warning systems, stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, improved welfare for security personnel and more effective prosecution of criminal networks.

The organisation also urged governments at all levels to address underlying factors contributing to violence, including poverty, youth unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, environmental degradation, resource conflicts and social exclusion.

As Nigerians mark June 12, CAPPA stressed that the promise of democracy cannot be separated from the security and welfare of citizens.

“The significance of June 12 lies in its affirmation that sovereignty belongs to the people. That promise loses meaning when citizens cannot move freely, sleep peacefully, send their children to school, or participate in public life without fear,” the statement added.