Mike Igini To Chair Bel Dialogue 2026 as Stakeholders Converge On Nigeria’s Democratic Future
FORMER Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Mike Igini, Esq., has been named Chairman of the Occasion for the second edition of Bel Dialogue, the flagship public policy engagement platform of Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief.
The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, Anwai Road, Asaba, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
This year’s edition is themed “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” a subject the organisers described as timely amid growing calls for stronger democratic institutions, accountable governance and renewed public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral and governance systems.
Bel Dialogue is an annual, non-partisan platform established to promote informed discussions on governance, public policy, leadership and national development. It brings together policymakers, public officials, civil society organisations, academics, professionals, traditional institutions, the media and citizens to examine pressing national issues and explore practical solutions.
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition builds on the success of the maiden Bel Dialogue, which earned recognition as a credible platform for civic engagement and policy discourse. This year’s event is expected to feature broader participation and more interactive conversations aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance outcomes.
Announcing the programme on behalf of the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, the Secretary of the Advisory Board and Executive Director of Bel Dialogue, Emmanuel Enebeli, said the choice of Hon. Mike Igini reflects the organisers’ commitment to credibility, excellence and the promotion of democratic values.
He described Igini as one of Nigeria’s most respected electoral administrators, whose distinguished career at the Independent National Electoral Commission was marked by a steadfast commitment to transparency, professionalism and the rule of law.
According to Enebeli, Igini earned widespread national recognition for overseeing elections that reflected the genuine will of the electorate while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and impartiality.
“His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity, the rule of law and democratic accountability has earned him widespread respect across Nigeria and beyond. His wealth of experience and principled leadership make him an ideal Chairman for a dialogue focused on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the people’s votes truly count,” Enebeli stated.
He explained that Bel Dialogue departs from the conventional lecture format by creating an interactive platform where experts, stakeholders and members of the public engage in frank, solution-driven discussions on governance and national development.
Enebeli disclosed that preparations have reached an advanced stage, with organisers putting finishing touches to arrangements for what is expected to be one of the most significant public policy conversations in Delta State this year. He added that the names of the moderator, discussants and other distinguished participants would be announced in the coming days.
He called on elected officials, legislators, political leaders, professionals, academics, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups, members of the organised private sector, the media and other interested Nigerians to attend and contribute to the dialogue.
“Bel Dialogue is driven by the conviction that democracy can only thrive when institutions are strong, elections are credible, leaders are accountable and citizens remain actively engaged in the democratic process. We believe this year’s conversation will make meaningful contributions to the ongoing national discourse on democratic governance and institutional reforms,” Enebeli added.
The organisers expressed confidence that this year’s edition would deepen conversations around electoral integrity, institutional accountability and democratic governance while fostering consensus on reforms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
