By Daniella Ogundipe
In a bold stride to foster more active and meaningful participation in Nigeria’s democratic process and bridging the gap between the government and its citizens, a new CivicTech application, Citizens Application for Political Participation (CAPP), is set to revolutionize citizen engagement and participation in governance across Nigeria. Developed by students of the School of Politics Policy and Governance (SPPG CPG-1). The School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) is an unconventional school founded by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the school is designed to attract, develop and produce a massive base pipeline of a new, disruptive-thinking political class who will serve the citizens in delivering the dividend of democracy; at its core lies the FixPolitics initiative with the mission to elevate the Office of the Citizen to its rightful place in our Nation.
In our conversation with Jude Oseh, a student and co-founder of the App, reiterated that, CAPP is more than just an app; it is a powerful tool aiming to create a more informed, engaged, and accountable democratic system, it is designed to empower the office of the citizens to actively participate in shaping the nation they envision.
Despite the well-documented importance of good governance for sustainable socio-economic development, citizen participation in Nigeria has been plagued by a deep-seated disconnect between the government and its people. A recent study by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President reveals alarming statistics: about 78.3% of respondents in the North Central zone feel unrepresented in government policies, 54% have never participated in public consultations, and 81.3% are unaware of government participation avenues, which has proven to be same rhetoric across the country. These figures underscore a critical need for improved transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance processes.
CAPP emerges as a timely solution to these challenges, offering a two-way communication channel between the government and its citizens. With a focus on fostering a more informed, engaged, and accountable democratic process, CAPP aspires to transform the Nigerian civic landscape by empowering citizens to become proactive participants in governance by bridging the gap between decision-makers and the people, CAPP aims to restore trust, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across the country.
