By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The National Coordinator of the Pan Democratic Coalition (PANDECO), Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, has stated that the coalition is poised to play a key role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released to the press, Mustapha explained that PANDECO—an alliance of 125 political organizations and civil society organizations (CSOs)—was established to promote democratic ideals, ensure accountability, and foster a vibrant democratic ecosystem.

According to him, PANDECO’s mission includes driving societal development and positive change by focusing on:

Democratic Awareness: Educating citizens on democratic principles, values, and processes.

Support for Democratic Institutions: Strengthening key institutions such as the electoral commission, parliament, and judiciary.

Citizen Engagement: Encouraging active public participation in democratic processes, including elections and advocacy.

Policy Reforms: Pushing for reforms that promote democracy, accountability, and justice.

Mustapha emphasized that the coalition envisions a Nigeria built on transparency, justice, and equality—where leaders are elected through free, fair, and credible elections. “Our vision is rooted in the core values of deeper democracy, accountability, justice, and integrity,” he stated.

Also speaking, the spokesperson of the coalition, Hon. Yeye Ashaby Bukana, elaborated on PANDECO’s multi-faceted approach to achieving its objectives. She outlined several strategies, including:

Organizing workshops, seminars, and town hall meetings to educate citizens about democratic processes and values.

Engaging with policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders to advocate for meaningful policy reforms.

Encouraging citizen participation in elections, advocacy, and activism.

Supporting democratic institutions by building their capacity and ensuring their independence.

Collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify impact and foster a democratic culture.

Conducting research and analysis to guide advocacy and inform policy recommendations.

Utilizing media and communication platforms to engage the public and raise awareness on democratic values.

Hon. Yeye noted that with this comprehensive approach, PANDECO aims to strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, and empower citizens to be active participants in Nigeria’s political evolution by 2027.