In a concerted effort to bolster Nigeria’s democratic framework, a significant conference is set to take place in Abuja next week, drawing together influential political figures including Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former head of state Abdulsalam Abubakar, and representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The event, scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, will focus on addressing critical threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” aims to tackle pressing issues such as electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, and corruption. It seeks to rebuild public trust and foster a resilient democratic framework that serves all Nigerians with transparency and accountability.
Organised by five key groups—African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee—the event underscores the urgency of democratic reforms.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Otive Igbuzor, representing the organisers, emphasized the need to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule. “Structural and functional flaws, ranging from electoral malpractices to the erosion of public trust, have left Nigerians disillusioned,” Igbuzor said. “Our goal is to reignite hope, rebuild trust, and outline actionable solutions to restore governance with integrity.”
The conference will feature a keynote address by Ghana’s former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and a presentation by Jibrin Ibrahim on the challenges and prospects ahead of the 2027 elections. Discussions will center on creating a political environment free from manipulation, imposition, and exclusion, while ensuring leadership selection is credible.
“Reforms are critical to ensuring Nigeria’s democratic system is inclusive, resilient, and genuinely representative of the people,” Igbuzor concluded.
