As political activities gradually build up ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders have called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, insisting that democracy can only thrive when election results truly reflect the votes cast by citizens.
The call was made on Thursday at the 2026 BEL Dialogue held in Asaba, where participants from government, academia, civil society organisations, political parties and the media identified major challenges threatening Nigeria’s democracy and proposed practical solutions.
The annual forum, organised by Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief, was themed, “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability.”
Participants expressed concern over what they described as persistent weaknesses in the country’s electoral process, including unclear electoral laws, inadequate funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, weak punishment for electoral offenders, voter apathy, poor civic education and corruption.
They stressed that elections should be won at the polling units through the votes of the people rather than through lengthy court battles after the polls.
The stakeholders called for free, fair and credible elections, urging INEC, security agencies, political parties and other institutions to remain impartial and strictly follow the law before, during and after elections.
They also recommended clearer electoral laws, stronger enforcement of election rules, adequate funding for electoral institutions and continuous voter education to encourage greater participation in the democratic process.
The participants further advocated merit-based appointments into public institutions, arguing that competence and integrity, rather than ethnic, religious or political considerations, should determine who occupies public offices.
They maintained that issue-based politics should replace personality-driven campaigns, adding that democratic institutions must be stronger than the individuals occupying public offices.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Hon. Mike Igini, said the credibility of any election depends more on the integrity of the electoral process than on the declaration of results.
According to him, public confidence in elections can only be sustained when the process leading to the outcome is transparent, free and fair.
“When the process is transparent, fair and credible, the result naturally earns public trust. However, when the process is compromised, the legitimacy of the outcome will inevitably be questioned,” he said.
Igini also emphasised the need for an independent judiciary capable of protecting democratic values and ensuring electoral justice.
Speaking at the forum, the Chairman of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, said the theme of this year’s dialogue was deliberately chosen because Nigeria was approaching another election cycle.
He explained that the forum was designed to encourage peaceful civic engagement, promote informed participation in elections and stimulate discussions that would strengthen democratic governance.
Before the public dialogue, Enebeli led members of the organising committee on a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), who commended the organisers for creating a platform to discuss governance and electoral accountability.
The monarch described the dialogue as timely and said Asaba was well positioned to host conversations capable of shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
“We need a democracy that works. Our objective is not to condemn anyone but to contribute ideas that will strengthen democratic governance and improve the country’s future,” the royal father said.
Representing the Delta State Government, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who was represented by Barr. Timothy Agbaragu, urged Nigerians to work together to protect the integrity of elections and strengthen democratic institutions.
The forum featured panel discussions involving Prof. Andrew Agboro, Hon. Gibson Alporhe, Dr. Monday Michaels Ashibogu, Ambassador Augusta Chibuzor Keneboh and Lady Ejiro Umukoro, with veteran broadcaster Mr. Lawrence Okpewho moderating the interactive session.
The event ended with the presentation of the BEL Dialogue Award for Practical Democracy to former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, in recognition of his contributions to electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.
