The search for improvements to Nigeria’s electoral process by rebuilding trust berthed in Yola, Adamawa State on Wednesday where the participants agreed that rebuilding trust in our electoral system is a collective responsibility that every Nigerian has a role to play. It was the fifth edition of the Election Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue organised by the International Press Centre, Lagos.

Pooling together about 70 electoral stakeholders to discuss the theme: “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes, Institutions, and Elections, the participants suggested practical ways and actions to improve the electoral system with a consensus that the deployment of more technology especially electronic voting machines would enhance the quality Nigeria’s elections, boost their integrity and deepen trust in the electoral process.

Various challenges plague the electoral process, such as voter apathy, vote trading, misdemeanour by electoral umpires, lack of transparency, elections umpires not being accountable, and the overbearing attitude of security agencies. Participants attempted to proffer solutions to the identified challenges and the consensus was for a general change of attitude in the society where the value of doing what is right would overshadow that of wrong and evil.

Prof Annah Malgwi, Modibbo Adama University

The International Press Centre, with funding support from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, phase two project, organised the meeting. And, setting the ball rolling in her keynote address, Prof Annah Malgwi of Modibbo Adama University noted that trust in elections is fundamental to democracy. She dwelled on other themes in the electoral process. “Elections are not just a process; they are the foundation of democracy, giving citizens the power to choose their leaders and ensuring governance remains accountable and legitimate.”

She noted: “For elections to fulfil their purpose, they must inspire trust. Trust in elections goes beyond the act of voting; it embodies citizens’ confidence in the entire electoral process. It reflects their belief that their votes will be counted, their voices heard, and their choice respected.”

She enumerated factors impinging on trust in the electoral process including, historical mistrust, misinformation, institutional weaknesses, citizens’ apathy, and abuse of office. She also suggested steps to be taken to rebuild trust including, strengthening the institutions, especially the INEC, promoting transparency, fostering collaborations with traditional and religious leaders, leveraging technology by expanding the use of electronic voting, intensifying voters’ education, promoting gender-equitable relationships and enhance training for judges on violence legislation.

Professor Malgwi harped on the inclusion of youth and women in the electoral process. She said between the two demographics lie about 75 per cent of the population. Nigeria must tap into the vibes of the youth because they are creative and once, they key into a programme they will make it to flow and explode. Let them feel they are in charge, and there will be positive changes.

Prof Annah Malgwi (Guest Speaker), Mr Aluko-Olokun (NDR Editor), Dr (Mrs) Mary Paninga (Chairman) and Adamu Gadunju Yusufari (INEC Admnin Officer)

In a welcome address by the Executive Director, of International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade represented by Mr Ayo Aluko-Olokun, Editor, of Nigerian Democratic Report, said the meeting was the fifth of a series that has taken us to Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Calabar meaning that the aim is to harvest opinions across the country’s geo-political zones on how we can rebuild trust and foster collaborations that would improve our electoral system, especially in the context of the matters arising from the 2023 general elections.

The theme of “Citizens & Elections in Nigeria: The Place of Trust and Responsibilities of Key Electoral Stakeholders” as explained in the previous fora, is being undertaken under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria- Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, being implemented by the International Press Centre (as the lead partner) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), is particularly targeted at stakeholders whose roles in the electoral process cannot and should not be taken for granted.

“It is also pertinent, that this dialogue is taking place at a time when further reforms are being sought to strengthen the electoral system by way of the review and possible amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act (2022) as amended. Our thoughts, reflections, and suggestions on the way forward would surely go a long way in enriching the discourse around the reforms and creating impact at all levels. At the national level, it can contribute to policy reforms and the strengthening of democratic institutions. At the state level, it could enhance the capacity of local stakeholders to manage electoral processes effectively. At the community level, it may foster greater civic engagement and trust in the electoral system.

“Given the foregoing, it is important to assure you that your recommendations shall be transmitted to the appropriate authorities or institutions, and I, therefore, charge you to seize this moment to share insight, exchange ideas, and help develop actionable strategies that will contribute to the democratic integrity of Nigeria”.

In his contribution, the State Director of the National Orientation of Nigeria (NOA), Mr Richard Bala Dangari, said the agency had deepened its involvement in the electoral process by trying to reorientate Nigerians towards a positive value system. He said for a long time, Nigeria had neglected the pillars that should guide our value system. He said the new leadership at the NOA is turning things around, and the issues of funding are being addressed.

As we move towards the 2027 general elections, Nigerians will feel more of the impact of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in our social fabric. The agency will be reaching out to the citizens to imbibe the right culture and values. He said through their various town hall meetings voters will be engaged on the dangers of vote buying to our democracy.

He said the Federal Executive Council has approved a proposal for newly elected persons to participate in an orientation programme with the agency before assuming office. This is to ensure that leadership at different levels pass messages to the people that promote proper values.

Adamu Gadunju Yusufari (INEC Admnin Officer)

INEC, represented by its Administrative Secretary, Adamu Ganjuju Yusufari and the head of Voter Education and Publicity, department Mr Ruben Juji Gunmi emphasised what the INEC is doing on voter education and how infractions attributed to INEC on elections have declined over every cycle of election.

Other speakers included the representative of the Inter-Party Consultative Council (IPAC), Mr Idi Ali, Chairman of the NBA, representative of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Union of Journalists, National Association of Women Journalists, Coordinator of Women in Politics Adamawa State, Persons Living with disabilities, religious and student leaders.