By Our Correspondent
A two-day citizen-led national conference to address challenges threatening Nigeria’s democracy will begin on Monday in Abuja.
The event, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” will feature prominent figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former military head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and NNPP’s Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Other stakeholders, such as APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are also expected.
Organized by a coalition of civil society groups, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the conference aims to strengthen governance, address electoral malpractices, and restore public trust.
Dr. Otive Igbuzor, the chief organizer, highlighted the urgent need to tackle Nigeria’s democratic flaws, including weakened institutions, corruption, and declining civic engagement, despite 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
The conference will include a keynote address by Ghana’s former Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, and a presentation by Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim on challenges and prospects for the 2027 elections.
Igbuzor emphasized that the conference seeks to mobilize citizens, reform political parties, and build partnerships for democratic renewal, with the ultimate goal of fostering a resilient, inclusive, and accountable democratic system.
