Kukah and Jega Advocate for Stronger Democracy in Nigeria

At a public symposium titled ‘Political Communication, Election Security and the Future of Nigerian Democracy’, stakeholders called for credible electoral institutions and active citizens’ participation as vital for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. The event was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in partnership with the Kukah Centre in Abuja.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Co-host and Founder of the Kukah Centre, urged politicians to move beyond attractive campaign promises and communicate honestly with citizens about governance realities. He stressed the importance of informed and discerning citizens who actively interrogate political promises during campaigns.

Former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, highlighted the distinction between political communication and the communication of politics, cautioning against political despondency while emphasizing democracy as the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity. Political Activist Aisha Yesufu and Mr Chinu Obibi from the National Rescue Movement also called for continuous citizen participation and prioritization of national interest over partisan politics.