Shettima, Abdulsalami, Atiku, Peter Obi, Others To Discuss Democracy Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are among the key figures set to lead discussions at a high-profile conference in Abuja on Monday.

The event is geared toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Other prominent participants include the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The two-day event, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” will feature a keynote address by Ghana’s former Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia.

Additionally, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim will speak on the challenges, prospects, and expectations for the 2027 elections.

Focus On Democratic Reforms

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, outlined the conference’s purpose.

He said the event aims to spark dialogue on addressing Nigeria’s pressing democratic challenges, including electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, weakened governance structures, corruption, and a lack of public trust.

The conference will focus on strategies to enhance electoral processes, curb corruption, and rebuild public confidence in governance systems.

Igbuzor emphasized the importance of political parties evolving into platforms that prioritize the interests of the people over personal or sectional gains.

“By addressing these issues, we envision political parties that champion the voice and needs of Nigerians, providing viable choices for leadership and governance,” he added.