Nigerians Recognize Voting Power, Says Senator Dafinone

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated that Nigeria's democracy is improving as citizens increasingly recognize the power of their votes. In an interview on the Nigerian Television Authority's One on One program with Cyril Stober, Dafinone, who chairs the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, acknowledged that while Nigeria's democratic journey is not perfect, there has been significant progress since the Fourth Republic began in 1999.

He noted that each election has shown improvements, particularly from the irregularities seen in the 2003 elections to the more aware participation in the 2023 elections. Dafinone emphasized the importance of citizens registering to vote and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He also pointed out that traditional institutions play a crucial role in governance, providing additional avenues for citizen participation. Despite acknowledging imperfections in Nigeria's democracy, he expressed optimism about its gradual advancement.