Follow Us on Google
By Chukwuma Umeorah
Political party chairmen and other stakeholders have called for stronger internal democracy within political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying parties must resolve their differences through established internal mechanisms and allow members to participate in decision-making without interference.
The call was made at News Central’s National Chairmen’s Dialogue held in Abuja, on Friday, with participants also identifying vote buying, financial inducement, the conduct of security agencies and low voter participation as issues that must be addressed to improve the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The dialogue, with the theme, “The 2027 Question: What Will It Take to Get the Election Right?” brought together national chairmen of political parties, representatives of security agencies, electoral stakeholders, political leaders, the media and members of the public to discuss challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process.
National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Agbo Gilbert, said political parties had a major responsibility to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring that their internal processes were democratic. He maintained that parties must demonstrate genuine internal democracy, resolve differences through established internal mechanisms and make decisions without interference.
Gilbert also identified vote buying and financial inducement as among the major challenges undermining Nigeria’s electoral process, calling for greater attention to the factors that encourage the practice.
Also speaking, Elizabeth Okwori, national chairman of the National Democratic Party, said political leaders must remember that political office is a responsibility to the people. She noted that the president and other elected officials must understand that political office is not an entitlement, but a mandate entrusted to them by voters.
Samuel Memeh of the Democratic Leadership Alliance noted that credible elections would require visible commitment from government and key institutions responsible for the electoral process.
The issue of the neutrality of security agencies also featured prominently at the dialogue, with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Umar Nadada, addressing concerns over the conduct of security personnel before and during elections.
