AFRPN 2026 Lecture to Tackle Democratic Governance Challenges Amid Rising Coups in Africa
Maryam Aminu
As coups and political instability sweep across parts of Africa, the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) is set to host its 8th Annual Lecture and Conference, spotlighting the urgent need for resilient democratic governance on the continent.
The event, themed “The Challenge of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation,” will convene over 300 diplomats, policymakers, and foreign relations experts at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Chairman and President of AFRPN, Ambassador Dr. Gani Lawal, highlighted that the annual lecture has, over the years, provided a platform for retired and serving diplomats, scholars, and international relations professionals to interrogate pressing global issues, mentor young diplomats, and influence Nigeria’s foreign policy through best practices. This year’s focus is particularly timely, as the Sahel region and other parts of Africa grapple with a resurgence of military coups, terrorism, and public discontent with governance.
He disclosed that the keynote speaker will be none other than the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, a veteran Nigerian diplomat with extensive experience across the continent, Amb. Bankole Adeoye. His insights are expected to illuminate practical challenges and opportunities for strengthening democratic governance in Africa.
Amb. Lawal disclosed that the conference will be chaired by Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and past Chief of Staff to late President Muhammadu Buhari, who also serves as AFRPN Patron and CEO of the Savernah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development.
Past lectures have included contributions from notable figures such as Professors Bola Akindele Gambari and Eghosa Osaghae, Kingsley Moghalu, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, highlighting AFRPN’s tradition of high-level discourse.
Prominent attendees will include the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu. Other dignitaries expected include heads of security and diplomatic institutions, as well as leaders of the legislative committees on foreign affairs.
AFRPN emphasized that the lecture is not only an academic exercise but a strategic intervention to ensure Nigeria maintains its leadership in promoting democracy, regional stability, and cooperative foreign policy.
The association stressed that Nigeria’s national interest anchored in economic strength, military capability, and anti-corruption initiatives remains central to its foreign policy, particularly in supporting less developed African nations.
The Association reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to democratic norms in Africa, opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, regional integration, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and cooperation
