The Ebonyi Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called for an open and inclusive civic space, transparent governance and peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition made the demand in a communiqué issued in Abakaliki after its quarterly general meeting, where it urged government institutions, political parties, security agencies, media organisations, civil society groups and citizens to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of all stakeholders.
The meeting, presided over by the co-chairs of the coalition, Chief Mrs Ugo Nnachi and Dr Kelechi Okezie, also called for stronger citizen participation in governance and improved mechanisms for monitoring public expenditure and the implementation of government projects.
The CSOs acknowledged what they described as ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State Government to promote citizen engagement and make budgetary and financial information accessible to the public.
They, however, urged the government to deepen such initiatives by strengthening mechanisms that would enable citizens to scrutinise public expenditure, monitor projects and contribute meaningfully to policy decisions.
The coalition stressed the need for government projects to reflect citizens' priority needs, while insisting that such projects should be properly supervised and delivered to specification.
“Accountability should not be regarded as opposition to government,” the coalition stated, maintaining that constructive scrutiny, public oversight and citizen feedback were essential components of democratic governance.
It called for the regular publication of budgets, budget implementation reports, procurement information and audited financial statements, alongside stronger mechanisms for monitoring public projects at the state and local government levels.
On civic freedoms, the coalition urged authorities to ensure that citizens, journalists, community organisations, youth and women groups, professional associations and political actors could exercise their lawful rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
The group also stressed the importance of regulatory compliance by CSOs, urging organisations to maintain proper registration and ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The coalition further expressed concern over reports of alleged attacks, harassment and disruption of political activities involving opposition supporters and journalists.
It called on relevant authorities to investigate such allegations thoroughly and ensure that security agencies protect citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
The development comes amid broader discussions in the South-East over the protection of civic freedoms and institutional accountability. Stakeholders at a recent civic-space dialogue in Owerri, Imo State, similarly called for stronger accountability mechanisms and improved access to justice while recognising the security challenges confronting the region.
On the 2027 elections, the Ebonyi CSOs urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, threats, intimidation, violence, misinformation and disinformation.
They advocated issue-based campaigns and respect for journalists covering political activities, while urging electoral institutions to maintain professionalism, transparency and effective communication with stakeholders.
The coalition also called for improved voter education, accessibility, stakeholder consultation and complaint-resolution mechanisms, drawing lessons from previous electoral processes.
It further urged greater protection for journalists, describing the media as a critical institution in a democratic society.
However, it tasked journalists and media organisations with upholding professional standards, verifying information and avoiding publications capable of aggravating communal or political tensions.
To strengthen engagement between government and civil society, the coalition proposed the establishment or strengthening of a regular Government-CSO Consultative Forum.
According to the group, the proposed platform could provide a structured avenue for engagement on education, healthcare, youth development, women's empowerment, human rights, peace and security, infrastructure, local government administration and social protection.
The coalition also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women leaders, professional associations, political parties and security agencies to promote peaceful political participation and social cohesion.
It maintained that political disagreements were legitimate features of democratic practice but warned that violence, intimidation and threats should not supplant democratic debate.
The coalition also announced plans to host its annual Civil Society Week in November as part of efforts to strengthen civic engagement and provide a platform for dialogue among CSOs, government institutions and other stakeholders.
It said the programme would provide an avenue for education, reflection and constructive engagement on issues affecting civic participation and governance in Ebonyi State.
The coalition pledged to continue engaging government institutions constructively by commending positive developments, identifying gaps and making evidence-based recommendations in the interest of the people.
It maintained that the strength of democracy in Ebonyi would depend not only on political parties and government institutions but also on citizens' ability to participate freely, peacefully and meaningfully in public affairs.
The quarterly meeting, attended by more than 40 members, featured an interactive session, a review of the coalition's activities and the adoption of an amended constitution for the organisation.
