Successful elections in Nigeria, according to Damon Wilson, president of the National Endowment for Democracy, will accelerate the spread of democracy worldwide.
The independent, non-profit foundation that is committed to the expansion and strengthening of democratic institutions worldwide is in Nigeria to witness the general elections in 2023, he said, adding that a robust democracy is crucial for Nigeria.
“This election is important. First and foremost, it’s important for Nigerians, but Nigeria is also the fifth-biggest democracy in the world, the greatest economy in Africa, and is headed toward becoming the second-largest democracy in the world.
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Wilson stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday that “what happens here matters; it matters first and foremost to Nigerians but it can have a significant impact on the pathway to growth of democracy in West Africa, throughout Africa, and simply around the world.”
The international observer stated that successful elections in Nigeria will boost the impetus for a democratic renewal throughout the world, noting that democracy is encountering difficulties on a global scale.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians and the rest of the world that the election’s date won’t change as preparations for the country’s seventh consecutive general election since the restoration of democracy in 1999 are in full swing.
On February 25, 2023, there will be elections for the National Assembly and the presidency. On March 11, 2023, there will be elections for state Houses of Assembly and governorships.
