Shaping Nigeria’s future: Experts unite to strengthen democracy

Experts and stakeholders have gathered in Abuja for a two-day National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation’s democratic system
Tagged with the theme “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” the event was organised by the “African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)” in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee.
In his keynote address, Otive Igbuzor, PhD, Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), emphasised the urgent need for democratic reforms. According to him, “Nigeria’s democratic journey is beset by structural and functional flaws, including electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, and weakened governance structures.”

Igbuzor highlighted three key areas of focus for the conference: initiating reform efforts to strengthen the electoral process, mobilising and strengthening political parties, and mobilising citizens for democratic resilience.
“This conference serves as a platform for building sustainable partnerships and strategies for democratic renewal. Nigeria’s democracy will only flourish when backed by a collaborative approach that brings together government institutions, civil society, the media, and citizens. Through the discussions, panels, and technical sessions planned over these two days, we will establish a network of partnerships and actionable commitments that will drive us toward our shared vision. The outcomes from this 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.”
Giving the keynote address, former Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasised that the stability of democracy worldwide is under threat, with Africa experiencing eight coup d’états between 2020 and 2023 and leaders manipulating constitutions to cling to power.
“The increasing fragility of democracy in Africa and across the world is cause for concern. In democratic countries, the will of the people is expressed through elections, and leaders (especially incumbents) must trust the electoral process and accept the will of the people for the survival of democracy.”

While being applauded for conceding defeat after losing in the recent election. Dr. Bawumia added by borrowing some lines from President Barack Obama that say, “The role of the citizen in our democracy does not end with your vote.” To reiterate that, he stated that to strengthen democracy, it is crucial that participants at the conference prioritise inclusive economic growth and empower citizens to hold leaders accountable.
“For our democracy to succeed and remain useful for the citizenry, we require a new set of leaders. Leaders who place national interests over and above individual parochial interests.”
“The generality of citizens must ensure that we consign greedy and inward-looking politicians to the basket of irrelevance and project selfless and generational thinkers to the front row of leadership and service. Citizens owe this duty to themselves, God, and country,” he said.

Addressing participants in a goodwill message, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, GCON, reassured the organisers and participants of the event on Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration’s commitment to improving the elements that constitute Nigeria’s democratic system. According to him, “This reminds us that we owe our current positions to the democratic process, and we must continually police its effectiveness and impact on the lives of all Nigerians.” Represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Vice President further stated that he is convinced that Nigerians will reap the benefits of current, unavoidable difficulties.

Highlights of the event included illuminating policy-driven paper presentations in various sessions and a panel discussion titled Rebuilding Confidence in Nigeria’s Democracy through Institutional and Policy Reforms, followed by recommendations and insights sharing by experts and stakeholders on how to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the need for urgent reforms and collective action cannot be overstated. The success of this conference will depend on the willingness of stakeholders to work together towards a common goal: a stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive democratic system for all Nigerians.

Gracing the two-day conference were prominent Nigerian leaders: former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Anambra State and presidential aspirant in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi; former FCT Minister and Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, amongst other stakeholders.

Ruth Ebiega-Abuja