Group Tasks Nigerians With Constructive Action to Address Electoral Challenges.

An Islamic Group, AHLUL-BAYT Nigeria has advocated citizens participation, rules of law as well as equity and justice as key ingredients of democracy that should be imbibed by Nigerians to promote good governance for socio-economic growth and development of the Country.

Coordinator of the group in Kaduna, Mr. Isa Mohammed Isa gave the indication during a conference on "Assessing the Nigerian's 2023 Post-Election Landscape, Beyond the Ballot" in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

He explained that, the conference provided a platform to reflect on the success and challenges of the last elections with a view to finding lasting solution in the future, to grow their Democracy.

The coordinator pointed out that, citizens' active participation in politics, including the rules of law and justice for all were very fundamental toward building a more inclusive and progressive nation where electorate who are the key players would be respected, and enjoy the dividends of democracy. 

Using Kano and other states in the north as case study, he stressed the need for the establishment of commissions that would amicably handled electoral issues before being forwarded to the electoral tribunal for easy justice dispensation.

According to Isa Mohammed, Post-Election scenerio demanded  constructive engagement, and action, as well as dialogue rather than the use of violence or force in addressing those challenges.

In a keynote address to the conference, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Aminu Abdullahi Shagali noted that the conference was timely, and would help in building trust as well as strengthening the Country's Democracy.

The governor who reiterated his commitment to operate open government to enhance citizens participation, said the gathering was a platform for participants to gain more insight on the political trajectory of the country, that would foster better understanding of democracy and Its tenets.

He said, his government was also committed to ensuring adequate security and welfare for the citizenry, as well as provide conducive atmosphere for dialogue to promote socio-economic growth and development.

In their presentations at the conference, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN in Kaduna, Reverend, John Joseph Hayab and Sheikh Haliru Maraya attributed post election challenges to the inability of the electoral umpire to effectively discharge Its mandate especially in the area of voter education.

They called on the youth to eschew violence during elections and begin to develop positive attitude toward promoting democracy.

In a presentation on Challenges and Opportunities in Nigerian's Post-Election Landscape, a social analyst, Dr. Shedrack Audu highlighted corruption, election irregularities and violence as some of the factors affecting the Country's Democracy, and called for an intensified sensitization, advocacy and counter narrative to enlighten the youth.

He said, youth should see themselves as stakeholders in the Nigerian democratic journey, and must also be ready to work hard to hold government accountable to promote good governance for all.

The conference featured interactive session, and had goodwill messages from political office holders, traditional and religious leaders among others on how elections should be conducted, as well as citizens' role in ensuring credible elections to minimize Post-Election issues in the Country.