BEL Dialogue 2026: Stakeholders Demand Electoral Reforms Before 2027 Polls

Stakeholders from government, 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 during the 2026 BEL Dialogue, an annual public policy forum organised by Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief, held in Asaba. Themed “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” the forum examined Nigeria’s electoral process, democratic institutions and governance challenges while proposing reforms to strengthen public confidence in elections.

Ahead of the event, a delegation led by Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, Chairman of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, who commended the organisers for creating a platform to promote democratic accountability. The monarch described the theme as timely ahead of the 2027 elections and emphasised the need for a democracy that genuinely serves Nigerians.

“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 Asagba said.

Speaking at the forum, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Mike Igini, stressed that credible elections depend on transparent processes rather than the mere declaration of results. According to him, public trust can only be sustained when electoral institutions remain independent and accountable.

“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,” Igini said.

The 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 advancing democratic governance. Panel discussions featuring governance experts, academics and civil society leaders focused on electoral integrity, institutional accountability and citizen participation.

Participants identified major challenges affecting Nigeria’s democracy, including ambiguities in electoral laws, inadequate funding of INEC and security agencies, weak enforcement of sanctions against electoral offenders, voter apathy, corruption and the absence of ideology-driven politics. They recommended clearer electoral laws, merit-based appointments into public institutions, sustained civic education, stronger democratic institutions and free, fair and transparent elections.

The forum concluded with the presentation of the BEL Dialogue Award for Practical Democracy to Hon. Mike Igini in recognition of his contributions to electoral integrity, democratic governance and credible elections in Nigeria.