FG promises to uphold fairness and transparency in electoral system, says Akume

As the cornerstone of the nation’s democracy, the Federal Government is dedicated to a fair, transparent, and accountable election system, according to Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

This was said by Akume at the kickoff of the stakeholders’ roundtable on policy oversight for electoral integrity in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja. The roundtable was organised in conjunction with the African Electoral Integrity Initiative.

The body’s common objective is to strengthen and refine Nigeria’s democracy. It is composed of representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission and other election management organisations, including political parties, Civil Society Organisations, Law Enforcement Agencies, the media, and International Development Partners.

He said the meeting clarifies how the country’s overall interests and a common goal to preserve the integrity of its democratic procedures coincide.

It marks an important turning point in our quest for a free, fair, transparent, and egalitarian democratic process.

According to the SGF, the forum’s main goal is to examine the nation’s current electoral laws and find best practises that might be used as standards for free, fair, and transparent elections.

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He pledged to increase efforts to use technology in the electoral procedures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian elections.

“It is important to emphasise that all of us, not just the government, bear responsibility for preserving the integrity of our electoral processes. Let us collaborate to uphold the principles of a free, fair, and transparent electoral system, for the benefit of all Nigerians and the sustainability of our democracy.”

Nonetheless, the SGF thanked Dr. Daniel Omofoman, the Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, on behalf of the Federal Government for his steadfast commitment to the advancement of political integrity in Nigeria.

He consequently urged all attendees and Nigerians to work together to guarantee the nation’s electoral future is brighter and more transparent.
On behalf of the stakeholders who were inaugurated, Dr. Daniel Omofoman pledged that the gathering would provide them with the chance to examine practical ideas and solutions that may fortify and transform the country’s election systems, thereby strengthening democracy.

The Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General Federation officials, as well as a few members of the diplomatic community and civil society organisations including Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) and Yiaga Africa, were in attendance at the occasion.

Among the other stakeholders were the Flag Foundation and the Centre for Democracy and Development.