Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The International Press Centre (IPC) is set to host the fifth edition of its Election Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue series in Yola, Adamawa State.
Scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the event will bring together up to 70 electoral stakeholders to discuss the critical theme: “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes, Institutions, and Elections.”
Following the success of previous editions in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Calabar, this media- and civil society-driven forum aims to address and gather insights on how to counter the negative perceptions surrounding elections in Nigeria. The forum will delve into the root causes of mistrust in the electoral process and emphasize the importance of inclusive reforms.
The dialogue will focus on gathering input and recommendations from a wide array of stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), law enforcement agencies, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, labor unions, youth, women, and citizens, all of whom will be invited to provide special interventions.
The goal is to promote effective collaboration and role-sharing in strengthening the process of credible elections. The discussions will inform the development of mechanisms for ongoing consultations, feedback, and policy adjustments, ensuring that trust-building efforts remain sustainable and responsive to emerging challenges.
A special session will feature a lead paper titled “citizens & lections in Nigeria: The place of trust and the responsibilities of key electoral Stakeholders,” to be presented by Prof. Annah Malgwi from Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola. The presentation will be followed by interventions from electoral experts and other prominent stakeholders, moderated by Dr. Mary Paninga, deputy coordinator of the women political empowerment project in Yola.
IPC executive director’s statement
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, executive director of the IPC, emphasized the significance of the feedback collected during the “rebuilding trust” series, noting that it provides a valuable opportunity to identify emerging challenges within Nigeria’s electoral system.
He stated: “This feedback not only fosters open dialogue but also acts as a catalyst for reforms, accountability, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. By continuously engaging with the media, CSOs, and other stakeholders, we can help build public confidence in the electoral system and contribute to a more transparent, inclusive, and trustworthy democracy in Nigeria.”
The dialogue series is supported by the European Union under Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, with the International Press Centre serving as the lead partner.