Click the video above or here  to watch the livestream recording.

About the Event

On February 25, 2023, Nigerians will head to the polls to elect a new national government. With a new electoral framework, a competitive race, and a mobilized electorate, the elections present an opportunity for democratic renewal. Insecurity, disinformation, and political exclusion threaten to constrain this potential. Regardless of outcome, these elections—the largest elections in Africa—will shape the democratic trajectory of not only Nigeria, but the entire region.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems; the International Republican Institute; the National Democratic Institute; Yiaga Africa; and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) hosted  a conversation with the Chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission and civil society representatives from the governance, humanitarian, and media sectors to discuss preparations for the elections, and the significant challenges and opportunities ahead.

Agenda

Introductory remarks
Damon Wilson, President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
Samson Itodo, Executive Director, Yiaga Africa

PANEL I: Electoral Preparations
Keynote address by
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
Chair, Independent National Electoral Commission
Ene Obi
Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria
Chris Fomunyoh 
Senior Associate and Regional Director, Central and West Africa, National Democratic Institute
Hussaini Abdu
Country Director, CARE-Nigeria; Board Chair, Yiaga Africa
moderated by
Jenai Cox
Regional Deputy Director, Africa, International Republican Institute

PANEL II: A Civil Society Perspective
Cynthia Mbamalu 
Director of Programs, Yiaga Africa
Abosede George-Ogan 
Founder, Women in Leadership Advancement Network Global
Bukola Idowu 
Executive Director, Kimpact Development Initiative
Seun Okinbaloye  
Politics Editor, Channels TV
moderated by
Damon Wilson
President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy

Header image adapted from image courtesy of Channels TV.