Taoreed Abdullahi
Nigerians have been called upon to play a more active role in the country’s democratic process by participating in elections and holding leaders accountable to ensure good governance, transparency, and political integrity.
This appeal was made during a subnational conference on Strengthening Democracy, held in Lagos and organized by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development, and the Africa Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development.
During a panel discussion on “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” Dr. Olujoke Asekere, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Yaba College of Technology, identified voter apathy, electoral malpractice, insecurity, and corruption as key impediments to democratic growth.
She stressed the need for reforms, including appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through an independent body to ensure credibility, fairness, and impartiality in the electoral process.
In his contribution, Professor Sylvester Odion of the Political Science Department at Lagos State University highlighted challenges such as rigged elections, the absence of strong political ideologies, frequent defections, and the influence of poverty on voter behavior. He urged the electoral body to address existing loopholes that allow political manipulation and called for more robust measures to ensure credible elections.
Professor Odion also emphasized that democracy can only thrive when public officeholders are held accountable and act in service of the people.
Mr. Nwagwugwu Ezenwa, Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, explained that the conference was aimed at enhancing citizen engagement with government institutions, promoting electoral reforms, strengthening anti-corruption campaigns, and encouraging legislative responsiveness.
He added that democratic progress requires peace, security, and a commitment to transparency in governance. “Our goal is to build a political system that fosters credible elections, encourages competitive participation, and empowers the electorate,” he said.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, addressed the internal challenges within political parties, including godfatherism, candidate imposition, and vote-buying. He called for judicial reforms to ensure post-election legal proceedings are fair and corruption-free.
The panel also included electoral officers, policy experts, political party representatives, as well as traditional and religious leaders. They collectively advocated for reforms that would ensure political actors are responsive and accountable to the electorate.
Participants at the conference included officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), such as Mrs. Adenike Oriowo, representing the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner; Mr. Muiz Dosumu, Vice Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area; Mrs. Eguavoen Zandra, representing the State Director of the National Orientation Agency; and Mr. Akeem Dauda, Secretary of Ikeja Local Government Area.
The conference concluded with a consensus that only an engaged and informed electorate can safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.