CSO Raises Alarm Over Anti-Democratic Political Rhetoric, Calls for Clarification in Kaduna
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Kaduna, May 29, 2026 – The Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH) has expressed concern over a statement attributed to a political actor in Kaduna State, warning that comments suggesting electoral outcomes were predetermined could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and electoral processes.
In a civic accountability brief issued on Friday, the organization said a video circulating online contains a statement in which the politician reportedly claimed that both party primaries and general election outcomes had been “written,” a remark e-CAPH described as troubling if accurately reported and understood within its proper context.
The civil society organization noted that democracy relies heavily on citizens’ confidence that elections reflect the genuine will of voters, stressing that any suggestion that electoral outcomes are privately determined risks eroding faith in the democratic process.
According to the group, such rhetoric could create the impression that votes do not matter, discourage political participation among citizens, especially young people, and deepen public cynicism toward governance and elections.
“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens begin to believe that elections are merely the outcome of elite arrangements rather than the collective will of the people,” the organization stated.
e-CAPH identified several concerns arising from the statement, including the potential weakening of internal party democracy, loss of public confidence in general elections, citizen disengagement from political participation, and the normalization of anti-democratic attitudes.
The group warned that portraying party primaries as predetermined arrangements rather than competitive democratic contests could diminish the credibility of political parties and weaken trust in leadership selection processes.
It further argued that public comments implying that election outcomes are influenced by powerful individuals rather than voters could cast doubt on the legitimacy of elected leaders and democratic institutions.
The organization emphasized that youth and first-time voters are particularly vulnerable to becoming disillusioned when political actors make statements that appear to undermine the value of civic participation.
While maintaining that it was not targeting any individual or political party, e-CAPH said its intervention was aimed at protecting democratic values and promoting accountability in public discourse.
The group called for an immediate public clarification of the statement, urging political actors to reaffirm their commitment to elections that reflect the will of the people.
It also advocated responsible communication by public officials, stronger commitment to internal party democracy, and expanded civic education efforts to rebuild public confidence in democratic processes.
As part of its recommendations, e-CAPH proposed the convening of a multi-stakeholder democracy dialogue in Kaduna State, increased public education campaigns on voter sovereignty and democratic ethics, and greater collaboration among civil society groups to challenge rhetoric capable of undermining electoral integrity.
The organization further urged the establishment of youth-led forums focused on safeguarding electoral legitimacy and encouraging active citizen participation in governance.
Signed by its Head of Governance and Accountability, Comrade Ahmad Ashir, the statement concluded that protecting public trust remains essential for democratic stability, peace, and good governance, adding that democracy must be defended not only during elections but through continuous accountability and responsible leadership.
