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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.”
In line with previous editions in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Calabar, this media and civil society-driven forum aims to address and harvest opinions on how to mitigate the negative perceptions surrounding elections in Nigeria.
The forum will explore the root causes of mistrust and emphasise the need for inclusive reforms.
Key Outcomes and Focus Areas:
The dialogue will focus on gathering submissions and recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), law enforcement agencies, Inter Party Advisory Council, Labour unions, youths, women, and citizens who would be required to make special interventions.
The goal is to promote effective collaboration and role-sharing in deepening the process for credible elections. These discussions will inform the development of mechanisms for regular consultations, feedback, and policy adjustments, ensuring that trust-building efforts remain sustained and responsive to emerging challenges.
Special Session:
The dialogue will feature a lead paper on “Citizens & Elections in Nigeria: The Place of Trust and Responsibilities of Key Electoral Stakeholders,” to be presented by Prof. Annah Malgwi from Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola. The presentation will be followed by key interventions from electoral experts and other prominent stakeholders under the moderation of 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, emphasised the importance of the feedback collected during the “Rebuilding Trust” series, noting that it offers a valuable opportunity to uncover new challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He said: “This feedback not only provides a platform for open dialogue but also serves as a catalyst for reforms, accountability, and strengthening democratic institutions. By continuously engaging with the media, CSOs, and other stakeholders, we can help build public confidence in the election 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 of which the International Press Centre is the lead partner.
