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ASABA — With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, prominent stakeholders from government, electoral administration, academia, civil society and the media have intensified calls for far-reaching electoral reforms, stronger democratic institutions and greater citizen participation to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

The call resonated 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, held Thursday in Asaba.

The forum, themed “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” brought together key voices to examine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, institutional accountability and the future of democratic governance ahead of the next election cycle.

Participants expressed deep concern over persistent challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral system, including ambiguities in electoral laws, inadequate funding of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, weak prosecution of electoral offenders, voter apathy, poor civic education, corruption and the absence of ideology-driven politics.

The stakeholders insisted that election outcomes must reflect the genuine will of voters and not be determined through prolonged post-election litigation. They urged comprehensive reforms to guarantee that votes cast at polling units ultimately determine electoral victories.

Among the key recommendations were clearer electoral laws, adequate funding for electoral and security institutions, stronger enforcement of electoral regulations, sustained civic education, issue-based politics and merit-driven appointments into public institutions.

They further stressed that democratic institutions must remain stronger than the individuals who occupy public offices.

Earlier, a delegation led by the Chairman of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, to brief the monarch on the objectives of the forum and seek his royal blessings.

The Asagba commended Bel Media Consult for creating a platform focused on strengthening democratic governance and electoral accountability, describing the initiative as timely and significant.

He said hosting the dialogue in Asaba would help position the Delta State capital as a hub for national conversations on democratic 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,” the monarch said.

Describing the theme as highly relevant ahead of political campaigns for the 2027 elections, the royal father said the dialogue would help educate citizens on democratic participation and accountability.

“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,” he added.

The Asagba also highlighted community-based initiatives undertaken by the palace in healthcare, environmental sanitation and social welfare, noting that traditional institutions have important roles in complementing government efforts toward development.

He lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, poor governance had continued to hinder national progress, urging leaders and citizens alike to build stronger institutions capable of driving sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening of the dialogue, Pharm. Enebeli said the 2026 theme was deliberately chosen as the country gradually prepares for another electoral cycle.

According to him, democracy can only thrive when electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the wishes of the electorate and institutions responsible for elections operate independently, transparently and accountably.

He explained that BEL Dialogue was established to promote informed public discourse on governance, democratic accountability and national development while generating practical solutions to Nigeria’s democratic challenges.

Chairman of the occasion and former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, underscored the centrality of integrity, institutional independence and the rule of law to sustaining democracy.

Igini argued that the credibility of elections depends more on the transparency and integrity of the electoral process than on the mere 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.

He also emphasised the need for an independent judiciary capable of protecting democratic values and ensuring electoral justice.

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 BEL Dialogue as an important platform for constructive engagement on governance and democratic development.

He urged political parties, government institutions, citizens and other stakeholders to work collectively to protect the integrity of elections and deepen democratic values.

The forum featured a panel discussion involving Prof. Andrew Agboro, Hon. Gibson Alporhe, Dr. Monday Michaels Ashibogu, Ambassador Augusta Chibuzor Keneboh and Lady Ejiro Umukoro, moderated by veteran broadcaster Mr. Lawrence Okpewho.

Participants drawn from government, political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, women groups, traditional institutions, community leaders and the media actively engaged the discussants on electoral reforms, governance and institutional accountability.

The event climaxed with 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.