An Unexpected Election Campaign in Lagos
In the bustling neighborhood of Lekki, nestled within Lagos, an awe-inspiring spectacle captivates the senses... Roaming amidst mechanics and street vendors, Dan Dizzy, a young artist hailing from Port-Harcourt State, takes center stage with his wireless sound system, delivering an enthralling rap performance. The words "decisions," "future," "leadership," and "Nigeria" reverberate with rhythmic intensity, captivating the audience who eagerly get into the act, dancing and singing along. The mission is simple: to urge those captivated by the performance to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission and acquire their voting cards, thereby empowering them to participate in the upcoming general elections.
"I will obtain my voting card because our nation is plagued by deep-rooted corruption," proclaims a mobile credit vendor. "What we truly need is a robust public education system," adds another impassioned woman, selling food. "The rampant unemployment is becoming unbearable," laments a mechanic.
The intention behind Dan Dizzy's performance was to provoke reactions that prompt the target audience to question themselves.
"I envision a brighter future for Nigeria. The manner in which our nation is governed profoundly impacts each and every one of us on a daily basis. We should all have access to essential services, but sadly, this is not the reality. The first step in altering this course is active participation in the electoral process, selecting the leaders we aspire to see. I used to be among those who dismissed the importance of voting, but now, my perspective has shifted. It is our duty to raise awareness and motivate people to exercise their voting rights."
Dan Dizzy, Artist
The rapper has traversed multiple cities across the country, spreading his message through the power of music. His videos posted on social media platforms have amassed over three million views.
The Awakening of an Active Civil Society
This initiative unfolded under the banner of a digital campaign known as #Sixtypercentofus, in partnership with UNDP. The idea was the brainchild of the Nigerian company Tasck Creative, which connects artists and platforms to create content and spark debate on critical social issues.
The optimal approach to resolving our challenges in Nigeria lies in the empowerment and engagement of citizens. Equipping people with the most accurate and comprehensive information is crucial for making informed choices. Moreover, it is imperative that influential and innovative individuals step forward to spearhead this battle. By doing so, we can foster transparency and accountability among our leaders. Above all, we yearn for a governance model that listens attentively to the people and strives to fulfill their aspirations. This embodies the essence of good governance. With numerous united voices and power firmly in the hands of the youth, I am filled with hope," analyzes Toda Kafang, the Project Director at "Tasck."
In Nigeria, the young people of Lagos emerged from a state of apathy during the influential #EndSARS movement in October 2020. This social movement launched on Twitter, demanded the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad—a unit of the Nigerian police often marred by allegations of excessive force. During the first demonstration, around ten people lost their lives and around thirty others were injured, as confirmed by Amnesty International. Nonetheless, the movement lasted for weeks and galvanized millions of Nigerians. Today, numerous civil society organizations are determined to sustain this awakened consciousness, firmly believing that the battle for good governance has only just begun and will ultimately yield fruit.
In The Gambia, the arduous journey towards a consolidated democracy
After the ousting of former President Yaya Jammeh in 2017, The Gambia emerged from a forced lethargy that lasted twenty-two years. In this small landlocked country in West Africa, civil society is learning or relearning to live in a democracy, accompanied by a significant transitional justice process that concluded in 2022.
While many young people celebrate the newfound respect for freedom of expression and the expanding social, political, and economic opportunities, activists such as Aishah Jammeh—whose unwavering dedication to democracy resonates nationwide—highlight the lingering challenges.
"Our society still grapples with a myriad of security-related issues. Citizens yearn for better protection, yet regrettably, the very law enforcement agencies entrusted with this responsibility are at times implicated in the very violence we condemn. We must address this"
Aishah Jammeh, Activist
For others, the road ahead is still long, and those in power must do better to be "more transparent, more accountable, and more responsive to the needs of the people."
With this vision in mind, the UNDP in The Gambia is actively engaged in an extensive programme focusing on governance and human rights. Its primary objective is to fortify governance-related reforms by bolstering national institutions to combat corruption, enhance access to justice, safeguard human rights, and foster democratic values. Notably, the programme advocates innovative approaches that underscore accountability and transparency, particularly when it comes to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations. In the pursuit of poverty eradication and effective economic management, UNDP emphasizes the intrinsic connection between political and economic governance. By forging “bilateral and multilateral partnerships, this initiative yields positive outcomes in terms of foreign direct investment, business growth, and public revenue.”
In total, nearly USD4.5 million in funds have been allocated since 2018 to achieve these objectives.
"The Gambia possesses untapped potential and capacities that we are dedicated to harnessing for the nation's development. Everything is interconnected with development and governance. It is paramount that our efforts align with the aspirations and needs of the people, ensuring the effective implementation of our agenda."
Aissata De, Former Resident Representative, UNDP The Gambia
This challenge could position the country as an exemplary model in the region.
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