As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, pro-democracy advocate and founding Executive Director of the Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has called for free, fair, and violence-free elections as a foundation for greater political inclusion.
Speaking in Abuja during his 62nd birthday celebration and the public presentation of his latest book, Inclusive Governance and Development in Nigeria, Igbuzor stressed that transparent elections would create more space for women, youths, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to take active roles in politics and governance.
According to him, “If we have free, fair, credible, and violence-free elections, more women will participate. Secondly, we need deliberate policies for inclusion—quotas for women, youth, and PWDs. Thirdly, we need participatory democracy as an approach. With these three, inclusive governance will be possible.”
He further emphasized that inclusive governance is central to Nigeria’s development, noting that elections must not only produce leaders but also ensure equitable representation for marginalized groups.
Igbuzor urged professionals, religious leaders, and God-fearing individuals not to shy away from politics out of fear that it is a “dirty game.” He warned that such withdrawal only leaves the space for charlatans and opportunists. “Politics determines education, health, housing, food security, and even religion. If good people do not engage, governance will fall into the wrong hands,” he cautioned.
In a keynote lecture at the event, Dr. Stephen Iroro Izu of Nile University of Nigeria highlighted that exclusion of women, youths, and PWDs continues to undermine effective representation and decision-making. He warned that institutional, cultural, and patriarchal barriers must be addressed through deliberate and collaborative interventions to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
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