The European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) Programme, led by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), recently embarked on an advocacy visit to Borno State, aimed at promoting inclusive political participation. This visit focused on engaging key political parties in Borno to encourage reforms within party leadership structures that foster the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in decision-making processes.
The advocacy visit is part of the EU-SDGN’s broader initiative to address the exclusion of marginalised groups in Nigeria’s political landscape, which has been a significant barrier to democratic progress. CISLAC, funded by the European Union, engaged party leadership to emphasise the crucial role of inclusivity in strengthening governance, peace, and stability in the state. The campaign specifically advocated for the adoption of inclusive policies, reforms to ensure equitable representation, and the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in leadership roles.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), emphasised the significance of political parties as the “primary gatekeepers” to leadership positions, stressing that reforms are essential to creating a more inclusive democratic system. He further highlighted that the inclusion of youth, women, and PWDs would lead to more comprehensive policymaking and a political system that truly reflects the diversity of Nigeria.
This advocacy campaign in Borno marks a significant step in advancing inclusivity in Nigeria’s political system, advocating for reforms that encourage the active participation of underrepresented groups in leadership roles.