Twenty-four prominent Nigerians, including Atedo Peterside, Bishop Matthew Kukah, former Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, activist Aisha Yesufu, and musician Folarin Falana (Falz), have announced an expanded democratic reform campaign under the GoNigeria Initiative.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group said it is expanding its mandate beyond voter mobilisation to include advocacy for electoral reform, freedom of speech, judicial reform, and security of life and property.
The coalition, convened by Stanbic IBTC Bank founder Atedo Peterside, stated that building a durable democracy in Nigeria requires more than periodic elections. The group warned that without these foundational reforms, democracy risks remaining “procedural rather than transformative—existing in form, but not in substance.”
The coalition
The 24 advocates include religious leaders, civil society activists, former government officials, entertainers, and business figures from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Other members include former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, health expert Muhammad Ali Pate, Oxford scholar Arunma Oteh, civil society leader Yemi Adamolekun, activist Hamzat Lawal, legal practitioner Ayisha Osori, and former Governor Kashim Ibrahim-Imam.
Expanded mandate
The GoNigeria Initiative was originally conceived to promote citizen participation in the electoral process, particularly amongst young people. The group encouraged Nigerian youths to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), and vote during general elections.
The statement explained that the group now considers it necessary to expand its mandate. This is driven by the recognition that building a durable democracy requires strong institutions, protected rights, and security structures that command public trust and ensure accountable governance.
Four priority areas
The statement outlined why electoral reform, freedom of speech, judicial reform, and security are foundational pillars that directly address Nigeria’s longstanding challenges of legitimacy, participation, justice, and state authority.
On electoral reform, the group noted that flawed elections characterised by vote-buying, result manipulation, intimidation, and weak electoral administration have undermined public confidence in democracy. The statement said that without credible elections, democracy risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive.
The coalition described freedom of speech as the lifeblood of democratic governance, enabling citizens, civil society, and the media to scrutinise power and express diverse viewpoints. It warned that a democracy that silences dissent risks sliding into authoritarianism.
On judicial reform, the statement said an independent, efficient, and credible judiciary is the backbone of constitutional democracy. The group argued it is essential for upholding the rule of law, resolving electoral and political disputes, protecting fundamental rights, and combating corruption. When the judiciary is weak, politicised, or corrupt, the statement said, democracy loses both its moral authority and legal foundation.
On security, the coalition noted that citizens cannot participate meaningfully in democratic processes under conditions of fear and violence. Nigeria’s persistent insecurity—including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and deployment of thugs during elections—undermines democracy by restricting political participation, eroding state legitimacy, encouraging authoritarian responses, and disrupting economic life.
Call for citizen participation
The statement emphasised that democratic governance depends not only on laws and structures, but on citizens developing the habits, attitudes, and values that make democratic governance possible.
A democratic system can only be stable and successful if citizens understand, value, and actively defend it, according to the coalition. The statement concluded with an invitation: “Join us and defend democracy.”
Full list of GoNigeria advocates:
Atedo Peterside CON (Convener), Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Ayisha Osori, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Binta Max Gbinije, Dike Chukwumerije, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Folarin Falana (Falz), Hamzat Lawal, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Bishop Matthew Kukah CON, Muhammad Ali Pate, HH Muhammad Sanusi II (Emir of Kano), Ngozi Coker, Nuruddeen Lemu, Osita Chidoka, Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Sola Akinyede OON, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Tony Rapu, and Yemi Adamolekun.
