A citizen-led national conference aimed at addressing key challenges threatening Nigeria’s democracy is set to take place on Monday in Abuja.
The 2-day event is expected to bring together prominent political figures, including: Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former military Head of State, General AbdulSalami Abubakar, {rtd), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and the National Chairman of the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Others expected to participate are: the 2023 presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, among other stakeholders.
The conference is being organized by a coalition of civil society organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the chief organiser, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, emphasised that the conference will tackle the complexities and setbacks facing Nigeria’s democratic system.
He noted that the objective is to develop actionable solutions to strengthen governance and restore public trust in the democratic process.
Igbuzor noted that despite witnessing an uninterrupted 25 years of civilian rule, the country’s democratic journey is beset by structural and functional flaws, hence the need for the two-day conference.
With the theme: “Strengthening Nigeria Democracy: Partway to good governance and political integrity”, former Vice-President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia will deliver a Keynote address, while Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim is expected to speak on challenges, prospects and the 2027 elections.
According to Dr. Igbuzor,
“Our aim, through the conference, is to initiate reform efforts that will strengthen our electoral process and ensure that our leadership selection process is credible”.
On the need to mobilize and strengthen political parties, the organisers said the focus of the conference includes: fostering the development of political parties that are truly representative, open to internal democracy, and accountable to the people.
“The outcomes from the conference will provide a solid foundation on which we can rebuild confidence in our institutions, increase transparency, and set a standard of integrity for future governance”.
Igbuzor maintained that the conference is expected to increase public awareness and engagement, strengthen institutions and accountability, and renew confidence in democracy.
