Leaders Seek Stronger Institutions, Economic Inclusion for Democracy

 

By Atlantic Reports

Political leaders, labour officials and civil society advocates have called for stronger public institutions and broader economic opportunities to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

They spoke on Monday in Abuja at a colloquium, book launch and dinner marking the 60th birthday of Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA).

The discussions centred on the relationship between citizenship, economic hardship and meaningful participation in public life.

Democracy beyond elections

In a keynote address, Accord Party politician Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim argued that democracy must guarantee equal treatment, fair competition and opportunities for citizens to participate.

He was represented by Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja.

“Inclusive democracy rests on the understanding that democracy must mean more than elections. It must guarantee citizens the freedom to participate in public life, compete under fair rules, exercise their rights, and enjoy equal treatment before the law,” he said.

Olawepo-Hashim expressed concern about declining electoral participation, citing voter turnout figures of 69.08 per cent in 2003 and 26.71 per cent in 2023.

He also called for an end to discrimination based on indigeneity, saying long-term residents should enjoy full rights regardless of their state of origin.

Political parties, he argued, should encourage participation through credible primaries and transparent financing, rather than serve privileged interests.

Fuel-price proposal

To address economic hardship, Olawepo-Hashim proposed an “Energy First” framework targeting an initial petrol price of ₦605 per litre, followed by a gradual reduction to between ₦200 and ₦300.

Those figures represent policy targets, rather than approved prices or demonstrated outcomes. The supplied account did not explain the financing, production assumptions or implementation timetable underpinning the proposal.

Its feasibility would depend on how the proposed reductions could be achieved and sustained without creating additional fiscal pressures.

Independent institutions and livelihoods

Chairman of the colloquium, Prof. Isa Chiroma, the immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, said Nigeria needed institutions capable of operating independently of political influence.

“We must move from an era of strongmen to an era of strong institutions,” he said.

“Our judicial, electoral, and law enforcement institutions must be fiercely independent, financially autonomous, and structurally insulated from political interference.”

Chiroma warned that widespread poverty could expose citizens to vote-buying and manipulation. He called for social safety nets, quality education and employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

He urged policymakers to turn the discussions into practical measures and praised Nwagwu’s public service and intellectual engagement.

Recognition for civic advocacy

Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero commended Nwagwu’s contributions to electoral reform, democracy and workers’ welfare.

Ajaero described him as an active participant in national campaigns concerned with the conditions of workers and ordinary Nigerians.

The event included the unveiling of Nwagwu’s book, Eze Unhinged Elections and Reforms: A Participant’s Views and Reflections, and a panel discussion on citizen-led democracy.

The central demand was for democratic reform to reach beyond election procedures: institutions must protect rights, parties must permit meaningful participation, and economic policies must give citizens greater security and opportunity.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.