Stakeholders Demand Electoral Reforms, Stronger Institutions Ahead Of 2027 Elections

STAKEHOLDERS drawn from government, electoral administration, academia, civil society organisations and the media have called for far-reaching electoral reforms, stronger democratic institutions and increased citizen participation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was made on Thursday during the 2026 edition of BEL Dialogue, an annual public policy forum organised by Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief, in Asaba, Delta State.

The forum, themed “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” examined Nigeria’s democratic journey, electoral process and the performance of institutions responsible for sustaining democratic governance.

Ahead of the dialogue, members of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, led by its Chairman, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, to brief the monarch on the objectives of the forum and seek his royal blessings.

The Asagba commended Bel Media Consult for creating a platform dedicated to promoting democratic governance, electoral accountability and national development.

He described the decision to host the dialogue in Asaba as significant, expressing confidence that it would further position the Delta State capital as a centre for meaningful national conversations.

“I have listened carefully to the objectives of BEL Dialogue. It is time we decentralise governance conversations. I am delighted that this initiative is taking place in Asaba because we want our city to remain at the forefront of national discourse,” the monarch said.

He described the theme as timely, particularly as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, democracy must continue to evolve to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.

“We need a democracy that truly works. Our objective is not to criticise but to contribute ideas that will strengthen democratic governance and improve the future of our country,” he added.

The monarch also highlighted several community development initiatives undertaken by the Asaba Palace in healthcare, environmental sanitation and social welfare, noting that traditional institutions have an important role in complementing government efforts.

Earlier, Pharm. Enebeli said BEL Dialogue was established to encourage informed conversations on governance, electoral accountability and national development while providing practical solutions to challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.

He explained that the 2026 theme was deliberately chosen as the country approaches another election cycle.

According to him, democracy can only thrive when electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people and institutions responsible for managing elections remain independent, transparent and accountable.

He added that the forum seeks to promote peaceful civic engagement, encourage informed participation in elections and stimulate reforms capable of strengthening democratic governance.

Chairman of the occasion and former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Mike Igini, said integrity, institutional independence and strict adherence to the rule of law remain fundamental to sustaining democracy.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic experience, Igini maintained that public confidence in elections depends more on the credibility of the electoral process than on the declaration of results.

“When the process is transparent, free and credible, the outcome naturally earns public trust. But when the process is compromised, the legitimacy of the result will inevitably be questioned,” he said.

He stressed the need for an independent judiciary capable of safeguarding democratic values and ensuring electoral justice, while urging governments to strengthen democratic institutions rather than individuals.

Representing Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, represented by Barr. Timothy Agbaragu, described the dialogue as a valuable platform for constructive engagement on governance and democratic development.

He urged citizens, political parties, electoral institutions and security agencies to work collectively towards protecting the integrity of elections and strengthening democratic values.

Panel discussions featured contributions from Prof. Andrew Agboro, Hon. Gibson Alporhe, Dr. Monday Michaels Ashibogu, Ambassador Augusta Chibuzor Keneboh and Lady Ejiro Umukoro, while veteran broadcaster Mr. Lawrence Okpewho moderated the interactive session.

Participants, drawn from government agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, women’s groups, community leaders and the media, expressed concern over several challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.

Among the issues highlighted were ambiguities in the Electoral Act, inadequate funding for INEC and security agencies, weak enforcement of sanctions against electoral offenders, voter apathy, poor civic education, corruption and the absence of ideology-driven politics.

They maintained that election outcomes should reflect the genuine will of voters and called for reforms that would ensure winners emerge through votes cast at polling units rather than prolonged post-election litigation.

The stakeholders also advocated free, fair, credible and inclusive elections, urging INEC, political parties, security agencies and other institutions to operate strictly within the law while promoting transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the electoral process.

They further recommended clearer electoral laws, stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate funding for electoral institutions and sustained civic education to encourage informed citizen participation.

Participants also called for merit-based recruitment into public institutions, arguing that competence, integrity and professionalism should take precedence over ethnic, religious or sectional considerations.

They equally advocated issue-based politics anchored on competence, service delivery and ideology, insisting that democratic institutions must remain stronger than the individuals occupying public offices.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the BEL Dialogue Award for Practical Democracy to former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, in recognition of his contributions to electoral integrity, democratic governance and the promotion of credible elections in Nigeria.