In a bid to strengthen democratic governance and promote gender inclusion in Nigeria’s electoral processes, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), has successfully concluded a three-day election observer training in Edo State. The training, which focused on observing the election observers from a gender perspective, hosted 36 non-partisan women who will serve as election observers for the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections.
The participants, all with a minimum of an O’Level qualification and access to smartphones, were selected to observe the elections from a gender perspective. This initiative aims to ensure that elections in Edo State are credible, transparent, and fair while emphasising the critical role of women in the electoral process.
The training covered essential areas such as Nigeria’s election laws and regulations, the observer code of conduct, best practices in observation and reporting, and how to identify and report electoral irregularities. The participants also engaged in interactive sessions, expert presentations, and practical exercises designed to equip them with the skills needed to assess electoral processes confidently and accurately.
The workshop is part of broader efforts to enhance the capacity of election observers, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the integrity of Nigeria’s elections. This, in turn, will strengthen democratic institutions and ensure more inclusive governance structures.
As the gubernatorial elections in Edo State draw near, the trained observers are expected to play a critical role in monitoring and reporting on the elections, with a focus on ensuring that the process is inclusive, particularly for women and other marginalised groups. The NWTF reiterated its commitment to promoting women’s active involvement in politics and ensuring that their voices are heard in Nigeria’s democratic space through funding from the European Union.
The EU-SDGN and NWTF partnership continues to emphasise the importance of gender inclusion in democratic processes, helping to foster a political environment where all citizens can participate equally and meaningfully.
