By Julian Osamoto
Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) is set to launch its State of Democracy Performance in Nigeria Report on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, marking a significant milestone in efforts to evaluate democratic governance across the country.
The report will be unveiled during a high-level stakeholder policy dialogue scheduled to hold at the Abuja Continental Hotel at 10:00 a.m., bringing together key actors from across Nigeria’s governance ecosystem.
According to a statement by KDI’s Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, the report represents a first of its kind, data-driven assessment of how democracy functions across Nigeria’s 36 states.
It provides a comprehensive evaluation of democratic performance at the subnational level, focusing not only on formal institutions but also on how governance is experienced by citizens.
The study draws on extensive desk research, field data, citizen and stakeholder surveys, expert consultations, and a rigorous validation process.
It examines critical pillars of democratic governance, including electoral participation, political inclusion, institutional effectiveness, transparency, rule of law, and civic space.
Beyond the report launch, the accompanying policy dialogue is designed as a platform for substantive engagement.
It will convene governors, policymakers, legislators, diplomats, development partners, civil society leaders, and governance experts to deliberate on the current state and future trajectory of democracy in Nigeria.
KDI describes the report as a “living accountability tool” that will be periodically updated to track progress, identify gaps, and support reforms across states.
By combining institutional data with citizen experiences, the initiative aims to provide an objective benchmark for strengthening democratic practice at the level closest to the people.
As an independent non-governmental organisation, KDI focuses on advancing citizen-led democratic development through research, policy advocacy, institutional strengthening, and capacity building, with the broader goal of promoting inclusive governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.
