Olawepo-Hashim and Chiroma Push for Electoral Reforms

At a colloquium celebrating Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu's 60th birthday, Accord Party presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, advocated for significant electoral reforms to rebuild public trust in Nigeria's democratic process. Olawepo-Hashim, represented by Prof. Abiodun Gabriel Adeniyi, cited International IDEA statistics showing a decline in presidential election turnout from 69.08 percent in 2003 to 26.71 percent in 2023, attributing this to distrust in the electoral system, poverty, insecurity, and dissatisfaction with candidates.

He urged authorities to enhance election safety, accessibility, and transparency. Additionally, he called for economic reforms to better utilize Nigeria's natural resources.

Prof. Chiroma emphasized the need for independent institutions over powerful individuals and advocated for broader economic opportunities and a national identity beyond ethnic loyalty. The event also featured discussions on women's participation in politics and the importance of collaboration across generations for national progress.