The European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) Programme, led by its cohort member the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in an effort to enhance inclusive political participation in Nigeria embarked on a series of advocacy visits to key political parties in Borno, Benue, and Edo States.
The advocacy campaigns which took place at the various parties of the political parties, aimed to promote reforms within party leadership structures that promote the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in decision-making processes.
The advocacy visits are part of EU-SDGN initiative to address the exclusion of marginalized groups in Nigeria’s political sphere, a major challenge that hinders democratic progress.
During these visits, the EU-SDGN represented by CISLAC engaged the leadership of political parties to emphasize the importance of inclusivity in enhancing governance, peace, and stability. The specific focus areas of the campaign include encouraging the adoption of inclusive policies, advocating for reforms in party structures to ensure equitable representation, and promoting the benefits of diverse perspectives in leadership roles.
“The political parties are the primary gatekeepers to leadership positions, and reforms within their structures are critical to creating a more inclusive democratic system,” said CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani). He highlighted that inclusion of youth, women, and PWDs would lead to more comprehensive policymaking and a political system that reflects the true diversity of Nigeria.
The advocacy campaign by EU-SDGN through CISLAC, marks an important step toward promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s political system. By advocating for reforms that encourage the participation of youth, women, and PWDs in leadership roles.
About the EU-SDGN Programme
The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme is dedicated to enhancing democratic governance by supporting institutions, processes, and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Through partnerships with local organisations like Yiaga Africa, the programme aims to strengthen the democratic fabric of Nigeria, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected in the decision-making processes.