Centre LSD Hosts National Conference to Reform Nigeria’s Electoral Process and Strengthen Democracy
Maryam Aminu
In a landmark move to address the challenges of governance and democracy in Nigeria, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD), has hosted a high-level conference designed to initiate reforms for enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process and fostering credible leadership across Africa.
The Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, Mr. Otive Igbuzor, revealed that the conference, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” aims to create actionable solutions to the setbacks plaguing Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day event in Abuja, Igbuzor stressed the urgent need to rebuild trust in governance and restore credibility to the electoral process.
“For too long, Nigeria’s political landscape has been dominated by elite cliques, leaving citizens alienated from governance,” Igbuzor lamented.
He emphasized the Centre’s commitment to fostering political parties that are representative, internally democratic, and accountable to the people. “This conference seeks to project a future where political parties champion the needs and voices of Nigerians, offering genuine choices for leadership and governance,” he added.
The conference also seeks to forge partnerships among government institutions, civil society, the media, and citizens to create a unified approach to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
According to Igbuzor, the outcomes will lay the groundwork for restoring confidence in institutions, increasing transparency, and promoting a governance model rooted in integrity and accountability.
The keynote speaker, the former vice-president of the Republic of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy as a pathway to achieving good governance and political integrity.
Highlighting global and regional democratic challenges, including the fragility of electoral processes and institutional weaknesses, the Bawumia called for collective efforts to bolster democratic values in Nigeria and Africa at large. Between 2020 and 2023, Africa experienced eight coup d’états and increasing instances of leaders altering constitutions to extend their terms, underlining the vulnerability of democracy on the continent.
The address highlighted the importance of robust democratic institutions such as electoral bodies, the judiciary, and law enforcement, which must remain independent and impartial. Undue interference, favoritism, and political manipulation undermine public trust in these institutions, paving the way for autocracy.
He also stressed the need for democracy to deliver tangible benefits, particularly by addressing poverty and inequality. With over half of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, he advocated for reforms prioritizing economic inclusion, stating that a democracy that fails to meet citizens’ basic needs risks losing its legitimacy
Noting the critical role of young people, the he urged leaders to harness their energy and innovation for democratic sustenance. However, he cautioned against the exploitation of youth by undemocratic forces, citing a worrying trend from the 2023 Open Society Barometer report, which revealed that 30% of Nigerian youth view military rule as a viable alternative to democracy.
Bawumia reaffirmed that democracy remains the most viable system of governance, despite its flaws.
He urged Nigerians to work collectively to strengthen democratic values, emphasizing that democracy is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
“Nigeria has been a leader in Africa and must continue to play its role as a beacon of hope and resilience. By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that our democracy thrives and delivers the governance and integrity our people deserve,” he concluded
Vice-President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, acknowledged the difficulties posed by some government policies but assured Nigerians that the administration remains committed to fixing the economy and securing the nation.
“We are navigating the challenges of transitioning from a broken past to a promising future,” Shettima remarked, adding that the journey to a thriving democracy will require shared sacrifices.
Speaking on Nigeria’s democratic challenges, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, dismissed the idea of political coalitions aimed solely at grabbing power. “What matters is not power grabs but addressing Nigeria’s future securing Nigerians, rebuilding the economy, and ensuring that our children have access to education,” Obi stated.
He also called for an end to the monetization of politics, which he said encourages the looting of public funds for personal gain.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its democratic challenges, the Centre LSD’s initiative represents a crucial step toward addressing systemic flaws and ensuring governance reflects the will of the people.
