By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Mike Igini, and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s governance and democratic space have called for far-reaching electoral reforms, stronger democratic institutions and increased citizen participation as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The consensus emerged on Thursday at the 2026 edition of BEL Dialogue, an annual public policy forum organised by Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief, where participants stressed that democracy can only thrive when electoral processes are transparent, institutions remain independent and governance reflects the genuine will of the people.
Receiving members of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board ahead of the public dialogue, the Asagba described the forum’s theme, “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” as timely, noting that it coincides with the build-up to another election cycle in Nigeria.
The foremost traditional ruler and constitutional scholar commended Bel Media Consult for creating a platform dedicated to governance and democratic discourse, saying the decision to host the dialogue in Asaba would help position the Delta State capital as a centre for conversations on national development and institutional reforms.
“I have listened attentively to the presentation on what BEL Media Consult intends to achieve. It is time we begin to decentralise governance. I am pleased that BEL Dialogue is taking place in Asaba because we want the city to remain at the forefront of national conversations,” Azinge said.
He said democracy must continue to evolve to meet the aspirations of Nigerians, adding that the objective of democratic engagement should be to generate ideas capable of strengthening governance rather than merely criticising institutions.
“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 monarch added.
The Asagba also highlighted initiatives undertaken by the Asaba Palace in healthcare, environmental sanitation and social welfare, saying traditional institutions have continued to complement government efforts in promoting community development.
He observed that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, poor governance has slowed national development, urging leaders and citizens alike to commit themselves to building stronger institutions capable of delivering sustainable progress.
Chairing the public policy dialogue, former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, said Nigeria’s democratic future depends more on the integrity of its electoral process than on the eventual declaration of election results.
According to him, transparent and credible electoral processes naturally produce outcomes that command public confidence, while flawed procedures inevitably cast doubt on the legitimacy of election results.
Igini stressed the need for an independent judiciary capable of protecting democratic values and guaranteeing electoral justice, insisting that institutions must remain stronger than individuals occupying public offices.
Earlier, Chairman of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, said the initiative was established to promote informed public discourse on governance, democratic accountability and national development through practical policy engagement.
He explained that the 2026 theme was deliberately chosen as Nigeria gradually approaches another election cycle, noting that democracy can only flourish where electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people and institutions responsible for managing elections remain independent, transparent and accountable.
According to him, the dialogue seeks to encourage peaceful civic engagement, stimulate informed participation in the electoral process and generate practical recommendations capable of strengthening democratic governance.
In a goodwill message, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Hon. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, represented by Barr. Timothy Agbaragu, described the dialogue as an important platform for constructive engagement on governance and democratic development.
He urged citizens, political parties, government institutions and other stakeholders to work collectively towards protecting the integrity of elections and strengthening democratic values.
The forum featured panel discussions involving Prof. Andrew Agboro, Hon. Gibson Alporhe, Dr. Monday Michaels Ashibogu, Ambassador Augusta Chibuzor Keneboh and Lady Ejiro Umukoro, while veteran broadcaster Mr. Lawrence Okpewho moderated the interactive session.
Participants drawn from government, political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, women groups, traditional institutions and the media actively engaged the discussants, making contributions on electoral reforms, governance and institutional accountability.
Throughout the discussions, participants expressed concern over ambiguities in Nigeria’s electoral laws, inadequate funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, weak enforcement of sanctions against electoral offenders, voter apathy, poor civic education, corruption and the absence of ideology-driven politics.
They maintained that democracy should reflect the genuine will of the electorate and called for reforms that would ensure election outcomes are determined by votes cast at polling units rather than prolonged post-election litigation.
The stakeholders advocated free, fair, credible and inclusive elections, urging INEC, security agencies, political parties and other institutions to operate strictly within the law while upholding transparency, fairness and accountability throughout the electoral process.
They also recommended clearer electoral laws, stronger enforcement of electoral regulations, adequate funding for electoral and security institutions and sustained civic education to encourage informed citizen participation.
Participants further argued that appointments into public institutions should be based on merit, competence and integrity rather than ethnic, religious or sectional considerations, maintaining that merit-driven leadership would strengthen institutions and accelerate national development.
They equally advocated issue-based politics anchored on competence, service and ideology, insisting that democratic institutions must always remain stronger than the individuals entrusted with public office.
A highlight of the event was 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, democratic governance and the promotion of credible elections in Nigeria.
