Nigeria, Nov. 3 -- A former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sam Egwu, has called on Nigerians to reclaim the civic space and strengthen citizens' participation in governance, warning that restrictions on civil liberties and weak accountability threaten democratic development.

Mr Egwu, a professor of political science, said citizens must become more actively involved in the democratic process by organising, participating in public affairs, asking elected officials questions and demanding answers on government policies and actions.

He made the call on Monday while delivering the anniversary lecture at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and...