…presents ‘We the People’ Electoral Reform Memo to Foundation
By Michael Oche
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA) has praised the MacArthur Foundation for its steadfast support in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible elections and civic education.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, PAACA Executive Director made the commendation when he led his team on a courtesy to the MacArthur Foundation country office in Abuja to present its “We the People Memorandum” on Electoral Reforms to Dr. Kole Shettima, Africa Director of the Foundation’s Nigeria Office.
The “We the People” memorandum, developed from nationwide consultations, reflects citizens’ recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral processes and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions.
Speaing during the visit, Nwagwu described the Foundation’s backing as instrumental in taking electoral reform conversations to citizens in town halls across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Nwagwu highlighted that beyond engaging citizens directly, the project also created opportunities to train journalists and civil society actors, equipping them to better educate the public and hold leaders accountable.
“It was truly enriching to meet, while holding the town hall engagements with journalists and Civil Societies, who are also invested in credible elections,” Nwagwu said.
“we were able to organise focused training sessions that helped journalists better understand their critical role, not just in reporting elections, but in shaping narratives, promoting civic education, and holding leaders accountable,” he added.
Nwagwu added that the opportunity to bridge knowledge gaps, both among citizens and the media, was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the project.
“What you find out there is that many people survive on rumours or hearsay and often lack reliable information about the electoral process,” he explained.
“At the same time, there are those who understand the system but are held back by disappointment and disillusionment from past elections. This project helped to break that cycle, and your support made it possible.”
Nwagwu said that the recommendations drawn from the memorandum have already been presented to both the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly.
“We thank you for your support,” he added.
In response, Dr. Kole Shettima, Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, commended the PAACA team for undertaking the challenging task of traveling across the country to gather citizens’ views.
He reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy by funding initiatives that promote credible elections and strengthen citizens’ awareness.
He said that ahead of the 2027 elections, MacArthur Foundation will work with stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process, to help strengthen and improve the system.
Dr Shettima emphasized the need for early preparation toward the 2027 general elections, stressing that building stronger institutional frameworks is key to addressing Nigeria’s recurring electoral challenges.
“Whatever work you want to do must start early,” Dr. Shettima advised, expressing hope that reforms and broader engagement would lead to better outcomes in the next election cycle.
