November 26, (THEWILL) – The International Press Centre is set to hold the fifth edition of its Election Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue series in Yola, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Themed “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes, Institutions, and Elections,” the forum will bring together 70 electoral stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues undermining confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The dialogue follows similar engagements held in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Calabar and aims to tackle the root causes of electoral mistrust. It will explore strategies for fostering inclusivity, instituting reforms, and promoting collaboration among key players to ensure credible and transparent elections.
Participants will include representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission, Civil Society Organisations, media practitioners, law enforcement agencies, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, labour unions, youth groups, women organisations, and citizens.
The dialogue will feature a keynote paper titled “Citizens & Elections in Nigeria: The Place of Trust and Responsibilities of Key Electoral Stakeholders,” to be delivered by Prof. Annah Malgwi of Modibbo Adama University, Yola.
This will be followed by expert interventions and panel discussions moderated by Dr. Mary Paninga, Deputy Coordinator of the Women Political Empowerment Project in Yola. Stakeholders will share insights on fostering accountability, inclusivity, and public confidence in the electoral system.
Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, underscored the significance of the dialogue, noting its potential to inspire electoral reforms and strengthen democratic institutions.
He said, “This platform provides an opportunity to address gaps in the electoral process through open dialogue.
“By working collaboratively with the media, CSOs, and other stakeholders, we can rebuild public confidence, promote accountability, and create a more transparent and inclusive democracy.”
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
