The European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) Programme, through its cohort member, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has intensified its efforts to promote inclusive political participation in Benue State. The advocacy visit, part of a broader campaign to reform political party leadership structures, aims to foster the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in decision-making processes.
CISLAC, representing the EU-SDGN initiative, met with key political party leaders in Benue to discuss the critical need for reforms that ensure equitable representation within party structures. The focus of the discussions included encouraging political parties to adopt inclusive policies that allow marginalised groups to have a more prominent role in leadership and governance.
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC’s Executive Director, emphasised that political parties are the gatekeepers to leadership and that structural reforms are necessary to create a democratic system that reflects the true diversity of Nigeria. He noted that including youth, women, and PWDs in leadership roles would lead to more inclusive and comprehensive policymaking.
This advocacy visit is part of the EU-SDGN’s ongoing initiative to address the exclusion of marginalised groups in Nigeria’s political sphere, a significant challenge that continues to hinder the country’s democratic progress. By working to promote inclusivity, the EU-SDGN programme aims to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes and ensure that all voices are represented in leadership decisions.