Request for proposals for Researchers for Citizen Mobilisation as an Alternative Pressure Mechanism in Political Action. Date Added: November 21, 2025 Deadline: 12/12/2025 Category: Research & Survey KUKAH CENTRE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ISSUE DATE: 21ST NOVEMBER 2025 CLOSING DATE: 12TH DECEMBER 2025 REFERENCE NUMBER: RFP 0124-01 PURPOSE: RESEARCHERS FOR CITIZEN MOBILISATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE PRESSURE MECHANISM IN POLITICAL ACTION A. BACKGROUND: Despite over two decades of democratic governance, Nigeria continues to experience limited and inconsistent citizen participation in political and governance processes. While periodic elections provide a formal avenue for engagement, citizens influence on governance and government policy decisions between electoral cycles remains weak. Traditional mobilisation channels such as civic education, advocacy campaigns, and civil society engagement often fail to translate into sustained political pressure or accountability. Recent social movements, online campaigns, and grassroots initiatives have demonstrated that alternative forms of mobilisation and citizen-led pressure can drive policy shifts, influence public discourse, and hold political leaders accountable. However, there remains limited systematic research on how these mechanisms work, their sustainability, and how they can be institutionalised within Nigerias socio-political context. To address this gap, The Kukah Centre seeks qualified researchers, research institutions, or consortia to conduct a comprehensive study on Citizens Mobilisation as an Alternative Pressure Mechanism for Political Action in Nigeria. B. RESEARCH FOCUS: This study aims to provide insights into the dynamics of citizen mobilisation and alternative pressure mechanisms in Nigeria, exploring how such alternative pressure mechanisms can be better understood, systematised, and scaled to strengthen Nigerias democratic culture, ultimately enhancing democratic governance and development. Overall Objectives To explore how Nigerian citizens can be mobilised for robust political engagement and participation through alternative and sustainable pressure mechanisms. Specific Objectives The study seeks to: i. Analyse the current state of political participation and civic engagement in Nigeria, including existing strategies and mechanisms for citizen mobilisation and their impact on political decision-making. ii. Examine the impact of socio-political contexts on the effectiveness of different pressure mechanisms in Nigeria and identify necessary adaptations for success. iii. Develop a framework for understanding successful citizen-led political pressure campaigns in Nigeria, including the role of digital and social media platforms. iv. Identify institutional and systemic barriers to sustained political pressure and citizen mobilisation in Nigeria and explore potential solutions or reforms. v. Recommend context-specific and sustainable strategies for enhancing civic pressure on Nigerias political elite, with a focus on inclusivity and long-term engagement, and explore the roles of grassroots movements, civil society organisations, and state institutions in establishing and maintaining sustainable citizen mobilisation networks. Scope of Work and Deliverables The selected research partner will be expected to: Conduct a desk review of existing literature on citizen mobilisation, political participation, and civic pressure mechanisms in Nigeria and comparable democracies. Grounded the study in theoretical frameworks that examine the dynamics of citizen mobilisation in Nigeria Undertake primary data collection through interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies of citizen-led campaigns, civil society movements, and advocacy networks. Analyse how contextual factorspolitical culture, digital engagement, gender, class, religion, and geographyinfluence mobilisation dynamics. Map key actors and initiatives involved in citizen mobilisation and civic pressure in Nigeria. Propose actionable recommendations and frameworks for sustainable, inclusive citizen engagement. Present draft findings to stakeholders in a validation workshop. Submit a comprehensive final report and policy brief. Methodology Proposals should outline a clear theoretical framework that integrates: Qualitative and quantitative approaches; Participatory and context-sensitive research tools; Inclusion of marginalised voices (women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural citizens); Ethical considerations in data collection and analysis. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, the research will capture both broad trends in citizen mobilisation and the deeper dynamics of lived experiences across Nigerias geopolitical zones. C. KEY DELIVERABLES & TIMEFRAME: 1. Inception Report (including literature review and sampling plan) Month 1 2. Completion of fieldwork and preliminary analysis Month 2 3. Position Paper (emerging trends and findings) Month 3 4. Draft Report and Presentation Meeting Month 4 5. Final Report (incorporating feedback from stakeholders and peer review) and Policy Brief (46 pages summarising findings and recommendations) Month 6 6. Presentation Slide Deck (for dissemination and stakeholder engagement) The successful applicant is expected to be engaged for a maximum period of 6 months, from December 2025May 2026, with the report due on or before the 31st May 2026. This may be reviewed at the purview of The Kukah Centre. D. ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS: Eligible applicants may include independent researchers, academic institutions, research consortia, or think tanks with demonstrable experience in: Governance, democracy, and citizen engagement research; Political economy or social movement analysis; Mixed-methods research and participatory methodologies; Policy-oriented research and dissemination. Applicants must demonstrate: Proven track record of similar assignments in Nigeria or comparable contexts; Capacity to deliver within timelines; Gender and inclusion competence within the research team; Effective (oral and written) communication skills, particularly in multicultural environments; Cultural sensitivity and respect for ethical principles E. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS & SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Proposals should not exceed 15 pages (excluding annexes) and must include: 1. Technical Proposal: o Understanding of the assignment and research objectives o Proposed methodology and work plan o Team composition and roles o Relevant experience 2. Financial Proposal: o Detailed budget (in Naira) with justifications 3. Annexes: o CVs of key team members o Examples of previous relevant work o Institutional profile (if applicable) Submissions should be made electronically in PDF format and sent to
[email protected] with the subject line: RFP Citizens Mobilisation Research (Applicant Name) no later than 3:30 pm on Friday, 12th December 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. F. EVALUATION OF CANDIDATES: Proposals will be evaluated using a Weighted Scoring System based on both technical and financial merit. The technical proposal will carry a total of 85 points, while the financial proposal will carry 15 points, summing to a total of 100 points. Only proposals that meet the minimum technical threshold of 70% (i.e., 59.5 points) will proceed to financial evaluation. Technical Evaluation (70%): 1. Criteria A: Understanding of the Assignment (20 Marks) assesses the applicants grasp of the research purpose, context, and objectives. 2. Criteria B: Methodology and Approach (25 Marks) assesses the appropriateness, rigour, and feasibility of the proposed methodology. 3. Criteria C: Relevant Experience and Expertise (25 Marks) evaluates the applicants demonstrated capacity and track record in similar research. 4. Criteria D: Quality and Composition of Research Team (15 Marks) measures the adequacy and diversity of the proposed team to implement the research effectively. 5. Criteria D: Cost Effectiveness (15 Marks) evaluates the overall value for money, ensuring that proposed costs are reasonable, transparent, and commensurate with the scope of work. Tender Link : https://etenders.com.ng/kukah-centre-request-for-proposal-for-researchers-for-citizen-mobilisation-as-an-alternative-pressure-mechanism-in-political-action/
