The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) on Monday raised fresh concerns over what it described as a shrinking democratic space, deepening corruption allegations, and worsening socio-economic conditions in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing held at BON Hotel, Kano, the organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said recent developments show that Nigeria’s democracy “is in distress.” He cited rising political repression, inducement-driven defections, and threats to free expression as key indicators.
Zikirullahi referenced a recent allegation by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, who claimed that presidential aides demand bribes before granting access to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the silence from the Presidency on the matter has only “deepened public suspicion” and reinforced a culture of impunity.
He also reacted to reports alleging that lawmakers pay between N1 million and N3 million to present motions in the National Assembly, noting that such practices erode public trust in the legislature.
CHRICED criticised the wave of political defections ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it threatens political pluralism and could tilt the country toward a one-party system. It called for an urgent and transparent probe into all corruption allegations involving the executive and legislative arms of government.
On the economy, the organisation said Nigerians continue to suffer despite claims of improved inflation and a stabilised naira. According to Zikirullahi, heavy borrowing, subsidy removal, multiple taxation, and the absence of a coherent recovery plan have worsened poverty and unemployment.
He said these conditions are pushing more young people into crime, pointing to the recent abduction of six Ministry of Defence directors in Kogi State as evidence of a failing security environment.
The group also raised the alarm over the state of the health sector, saying it is “on the brink.” Zikirullahi noted that only about five per cent of the national budget is allocated to health and that just 36 per cent of capital funds meant for the sector were released. He said the nationwide doctors’ strike has further crippled services, leaving health facilities overstretched.
CHRICED used the briefing to review the implementation of the Free Maternal and Child Health (FMCH) Law in Kano State. It said effective implementation of the law would significantly reduce maternal and child deaths.
According to Zikirullahi, with support from Misereor of Germany, CHRICED has developed a costed action plan for the FMCH Law, trained community monitors, empowered journalists, distributed 4,000 simplified copies of the law across the 44 LGAs, and launched radio campaigns to sensitise citizens.
A representative of Misereor, Mrs. Hannelore Henn-Sories, commended CHRICED’s commitment to civic education and governance reforms and reaffirmed the organisation’s support for improved maternal and child health services in Kano.
CHRICED called on civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and citizens to resist attempts to silence dissent and to demand accountability from leaders at all levels.
Zikirullahi said Nigeria stands at a critical turning point and urged the federal government to halt excessive borrowing, invest in job creation, strengthen the health sector, and uphold democratic rights.