As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, stakeholders have called for greater citizen participation, electoral reforms and accountability to strengthen the country’s democracy.
They made the call at the second edition of The Convocation, held with the theme, “Electioneering and the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy.”
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and examine the role of electioneering in shaping the country’s future.
The gathering brought together political actors, electoral stakeholders, academics, civil society representatives and members of the public to discuss challenges confronting the electoral process and ways of rebuilding citizens’ confidence in democracy.
Convener of the programme, Henry Olonimoyo, said the initiative was created to promote dialogue and provide an avenue for Nigerians, particularly young people, to engage elected leaders and other stakeholders on issues affecting the country.
He expressed concern over growing disenchantment with democracy among some young Nigerians, stressing that sustained dialogue and active citizen participation are necessary to keep democracy relevant to the people.
On the 2027 general elections, the representative of the Resident Electoral Commissioner and Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Yinka Ogunseye, said the Independent National Electoral Commission was taking steps to improve the electoral process.
A former Commissioner, Dayo Awude, said elections remained central to democracy, urging Nigerians not to withdraw from the electoral process because of existing challenges.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Youth Progressive Party, YPP, in Ondo State, Dotun Ojon, said citizens must take greater ownership of democracy instead of leaving the electoral process in the hands of a few individuals.
Other stakeholders maintained that strengthening Nigeria’s democracy requires more than conducting elections every four years, but also credible electoral processes, active citizen participation, respect for democratic rules and continuous reforms.
The event featured panel discussions and an award presentation, with participants renewing the call for Nigerians to take collective responsibility for the future of the country’s democracy.
