Civic Space

The Civic Space programme was established to strengthen Nigeria's democracy by protecting, promoting, and nurturing the civic space and supporting key players within it.

Citizenship, Democracy and the Culture of Transactional Politics

The transactional nature of Nigerian politics is a major driver of corruption and ethno-religious tension. Clientelism – the exchange of goods and services for political support – remains the dominant culture. In Nigeria, elections represent a potential flashpoint for violence, fuelled by illicit cashflows and rampant divisive behavior. If left unchecked, these features of our political culture could drive Nigeria to the brink – with grave humanitarian consequences for the sub-region and beyond.

A November 2018 conference addressed the culture of transactional politics and its impact on participatory democracy and accountable governance in Nigeria. Strategies to reduce retail corruption, improve political participation and track divisive behavior around the 2019 elections were deployed.

Support for the conference was provided by TrustAfrica and the Ford Foundation.

Conference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53-FL_EXQxU

Download Report: http://yaraduafoundation.org/files/TrustAfrica%20Report-UPDATE%20.pdf