Ahead of 2027 general elections, a just concluded National Conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria has recommended that all opposition parties should unite to form a strong, viable coalition that ensure checks and balances, promote accountability, and fosters healthy political discourse to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
The conference also said to further deepen the space for political participation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should allow the registration of new political parties as enshrined in the constitution.
The 2-day National Conference was organised a coalition of civil societies organisations which include; African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) and National Peace Committee.
Reading the communique on behalf of the organisers, one of the conveners, Ezenwa Nwagwu, said the conference agreed that political party should adopt innovative strategies for raising funds to support their operations, ensuring financial independence and sustainability to minimise state capture and corrupt tendencies.
“Opposition Political parties must unite to form a strong, viable coalition that ensure checks and balances, promote accountability, and fosters healthy political discourse to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
“INEC should undertake a review of its internal processes to incorporate ward-level collation of results and ensure strict adherence to the electoral guidelines as mandated.
“Technology should be integrated into the electoral process to enhance accountability and transparency, aligning with global best practices and ensuring the credibility of the election outcomes.
“INEC should live up to its billing of strengthening political parties through its regulatory function to ensure internal democracy is entrenched in political parties.”
Ezenwa said the conference urged the legislature to actively fulfil its oversight, lawmaking, and representation responsibilities, as a functional legislature is essential for a thriving democracy.
“The proposals before the National Assembly seeking to reform the electoral process should be prioritised by the 10th Assembly. This should include other structural reforms of the electoral system including the “winner-takes-all” system.
“Considering the limited timeframe to the next general elections, National Assembly should prioritise the review of the Electoral Act.”
The conveners said it was agreed that electoral offenders should be prosecuted in accordance with the law, as this would serve as a strong deterrent to others. Holding offenders accountable is essential for ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
“Security agencies should be professional in their conduct and maintain their independence and neutrality on electoral matters and focus on protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law.”
