Community dialogues: trusted voices for credible elections in Nigeria

FIAP, as part of the EU's support project for ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) on peace, security and governance (EPSG), has organised a series of two-day workshops under the theme 'Community dialogues on electoral integrity: Voices of Trust for Credible Elections' in the Nigerian cities of Enugu, Kaduna and Ibadan between June and August 2026.

The three events, held in the Nigerian cities of Enugu, Kaduna and Ibadan, brought together a total of 118 key stakeholders involved in the conduct of electoral processes from 30 states across the south-east, south-south, south-west, north-west and north-central geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The dialogues brought together community and religious leaders, representatives of the security forces and civil society, media professionals, and representatives of women and young people, amongst others.

Strengthening confidence in democracy

During the three meetings, participants analysed the vital role of trusted community voices in promoting credible elections and strengthening public confidence in democratic processes. The discussions emphasised the importance of access to verified, accurate and fact-based information, as well as peaceful and inclusive public and political participation, and constructive collaboration between communities, civil society, the media and the various electoral stakeholders.

During the workshops, participants - men and women from different states in Nigeria - reaffirmed their commitment to supporting democratic governance, peace-building and inclusive political participation in Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region. It was emphasised that credible, peaceful and inclusive elections are fundamental to fostering peace, stability, accountable governance and sustainable development.

The series of community dialogues has concluded with a commitment from participants to act as ambassadors for electoral integrity in their respective communities. They have pledged to promote accurate information, counter disinformation and harmful narratives, encourage peaceful and inclusive participation in democratic processes, and support initiatives aimed at strengthening public trust in electoral institutions.

Through these initiatives, the EPSG Project, funded by the European Union (EU), Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), continues to contribute to strengthening community ownership of electoral integrity and fostering an informed, peaceful and inclusive democratic culture in Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.