2027 Polls: Stakeholders Demand Electoral Reforms, Stronger Institutions at BEL Dialogue in Asaba

Stakeholders in governance, electoral administration, academia, civil society and the media have called for comprehensive electoral reforms, stronger democratic institutions and increased citizen participation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was made on Thursday in Asaba during the 2026 edition of the BEL Dialogue, an annual public policy forum organized by Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief.

Themed; "Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability", the forum examined Nigeria’s democracy, the electoral process, and the performance of institutions responsible for democratic governance.

Ahead of the dialogue, a delegation led by the Chairman of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN.

The Asagba commended Bel Media Consult for creating a platform to strengthen democratic governance. He described the decision to host the dialogue in Asaba as significant, saying it would position the Delta State capital at the center of national conversations on development and reforms.

"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," he said.

The monarch described the theme as timely, noting it came ahead of political campaigns for 2027. He added that democracy must evolve to meet the aspirations of Nigerians and that traditional institutions have a role in complementing government efforts in healthcare, sanitation and welfare.

In his opening remarks, Pharm. Enebeli said the 2026 theme was chosen deliberately as the country approaches another election cycle. He noted that democracy can only thrive when election results reflect the will of the people and electoral institutions remain independent and accountable.

Chairman of the occasion and former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, stressed that the credibility of elections depends on the integrity of the process, not just the declaration of results.

"When the process is transparent, fair and credible, the result naturally earns public trust. However, when the process is compromised, the legitimacy of the outcome will inevitably be questioned," he said.

Igini called for an independent judiciary, institutional independence, and strict adherence to the rule of law to sustain democracy.

The Special Guest of Honour, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Hon. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, represented by Barr. Timothy Agbaragu, described the dialogue as a valuable platform for engagement on governance and democratic development.
  
Panelists including Prof. Andrew Agboro, Hon. Gibson Alporhe, Dr. Monday Michaels Ashibogu, Ambassador Augusta Chibuzor Keneboh and Lady Ejiro Umukoro, with veteran broadcaster Mr. Lawrence Okpewho as moderator, led discussions.

Participants expressed concern over:
● Ambiguities in electoral laws
● Inadequate funding of INEC and security agencies
● Weak enforcement of sanctions against electoral offenders
● Voter apathy, poor civic education and corruption
● Absence of ideology-driven politics

They recommended clearer electoral laws, adequate funding for electoral and security institutions, merit-based recruitment into public offices, and sustained civic education to promote informed participation.

The stakeholders insisted that election outcomes should be determined by votes cast at polling units, not by prolonged post-election litigation. They also advocated issue-based politics driven by competence and service, and stressed that democratic institutions must be stronger than individuals in office.

The high point of the forum was the presentation of the BEL Dialogue Award for Practical Democracy to Hon. Mike Igini, in recognition of his contributions to electoral integrity and credible elections in Nigeria.

The event drew participants from government, political parties, CSOs, professional bodies, women groups, community leaders and the media.