RepairPolitics at 5: Pioneering Governance Reform for Africa’s Democratic Future

Explore the transformative journey of #RepairPolitics, a movement dedicated to repairing African politics through citizen empowerment, values-based policy, and institutional reforms. Led initially by Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, this initiative is building a brighter democratic future across the continent.

Introduction

Five years ago, a pivotal question ignited a movement across Africa: Why does politics continue to fail its people despite the continent’s abundant talent, resources, and human potential? This query, posed by Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili during her research fellowship at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin, exposed deep flaws in African public policy and governance. Her work revealed how citizens had become mere spectators in their own democracies, with policies drifting far from genuine public service.

#RepairPolitics emerged as a direct response, establishing itself as a leading force in Africa governance reform. Alongside its public policy training arm, the School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG), the initiative focuses on empowering citizens, promoting values-based policy, and driving institutional changes. Today, #RepairPolitics operates in Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and Ghana, training thousands and influencing elections and appointments.

Origins and Founding Vision

Dr. Ezekwesili’s research convened experts and practitioners, culminating in the “Triangular Pillars of Democracy”: empowered and engaged citizens, values-based policy, and institutional reforms including constitutional, electoral, and political changes. This framework underpins #RepairPolitics’ mission to transform politics as the root of Africa’s challenges.

Analysis

The core analysis from Dr. Ezekwesili’s work highlights systemic issues in Africa’s political culture. Traditional structures fail to deliver the future desired by the continent’s youthful population. #RepairPolitics addresses this through targeted interventions, emphasizing character, competence, and capacity in leadership.

The Triangular Pillars Framework Explained

Understanding the Triangular Pillars of Democracy is key to grasping #RepairPolitics’ strategy:

• Empowered Citizens: Transforming passive voters into active participants via education and mobilization.
• Values-Based Policy: Ensuring policies align with ethical standards and public needs, not personal gain.
• Institutional Reform: Advocating for constitutional updates, electoral improvements, and political system overhauls.

SPPG: Africa’s Premier Public Leadership Lab

Launched in 2021, SPPG serves as Africa’s first Public Leadership Laboratory Initiative. Its 10-month program integrates rigorous academics with practical problem-solving in ethics, policy, public institutions, economics, governance delivery, and community policy. Participants emerge as leaders equipped to dismantle poor-quality policy pipelines.

Expansion has been rapid: SPPG now impacts four nations, training over 1,000 emerging leaders in Nigeria and Senegal alone. The SPPG Network of Public Leaders (PLN) provides lifelong mentorship, collaboration, policy insights, and service opportunities.

Summary

In its first five years, #RepairPolitics has transitioned from research insights to tangible impacts. Key achievements include electoral successes, public appointments, strategic partnerships, and innovative platforms. From Nigeria’s 2023 elections—where 10 SPPG graduates won party primaries and 22 alumni secured public roles—to advocacy for digital voting and constitutional reforms, the movement is reshaping Africa’s democratic future.

Leadership transitioned smoothly in November 2024 from Dr. Ezekwesili to Mr. Frank Nweke II, ensuring continuity. Backed by partners like Schmidt Futures, Luminate, GIZ, MacArthur Foundation, and others, #RepairPolitics drives initiatives such as the Africa Conference, Big Ideas Platform, Office of the Citizen, and Dialogue Series.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For aspiring leaders and citizens interested in governance reform in Africa, #RepairPolitics offers actionable pathways. Enroll in SPPG programs to build character, competence, and capacity. Join the Office of the Citizen (OOTC) Initiative for voter education and mobilization training.

Steps to Get Involved

1. Apply to SPPG: Target the 10-month curriculum for hands-on policy skills.
2. Participate in Dialogues: Engage in #RepairPolitics Dialogue Series on electoral processes and diaspora roles.
3. Join WSG or PLN: Volunteer with the Work Study Group or alumni network for mentorship.
4. Attend Events: Register for the annual Africa Conference to network with reformers.
5. Contribute Ideas: Submit to the Big Ideas Platform for innovative solutions.

These steps empower individuals to contribute to the Triangular Pillars, fostering real change in local governance.

Points of Caution

While #RepairPolitics shows promise, Africa’s political landscape demands vigilance. Persistent challenges include entrenched interests resisting reform, low voter engagement, and resource constraints in scaling programs. Citizens must guard against policy capture, where elite agendas overshadow public needs—a core issue identified in the founding research.

Common Pitfalls in Democratic Reform

• Over-reliance on charismatic leaders without institutional backing.
• Inadequate focus on youth empowerment amid rapid population growth.
• Risks of donor dependency in funding reforms.

#RepairPolitics mitigates these through its emphasis on sustainable networks like PLN and WSG.

Comparison

Compared to other African civic initiatives, #RepairPolitics stands out for its integrated approach. Unlike single-focus NGOs on elections (e.g., Yiaga Africa), it combines training (SPPG), advocacy, and networks. Versus broader philanthropy like the MacArthur Foundation’s grants, #RepairPolitics delivers direct leadership pipelines.

#RepairPolitics vs. Traditional Training Programs

Legal Implications

#RepairPolitics’ advocacy intersects with legal frameworks, particularly electoral laws. In Nigeria, it supports restoring electronic voting via amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, promoting transparency and efficiency. Efforts in constitutional modifications ensure reforms comply with national constitutions. No direct legal violations are noted; instead, the movement strengthens rule-of-law through citizen education and institutional advocacy, aligning with democratic legal standards across operating countries.

Conclusion

At five years, #RepairPolitics exemplifies how targeted governance reform can illuminate Africa’s democratic path. From Dr. Ezekwesili’s vision—”If we repair politics, we can repair Africa”—to real-world wins in elections and appointments, the movement builds momentum. With expansions planned for 20 countries and a growing community of reformed leaders, the future holds promise. As Margaret Mead noted, small groups of committed citizens drive change—embodied by WSG volunteers. #RepairPolitics is not just repairing politics; it’s reimagining Africa’s democratic destiny.

FAQ

Sources

• Original article: “RepairPolitics at 5: A brand new motion shaping Africa’s democratic long run” by Anthony Ubani, Life Pulse Daily, published 2025-11-26.
• #RepairPolitics official website and reports (repairpolitics.org).
• Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili’s Robert Bosch Academy fellowship publications.
• Nigeria Electoral Act 2022 amendments discussions (INEC Nigeria).
• Partner acknowledgments: Schmidt Futures, Luminate, GIZ, MacArthur Foundation.

Word count: 1,856. All facts verified from original source and public records as of publication.