The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), a civil society organisation (CSO), has commended the MacArthur Foundation for its sustained support in deepening Nigeria’s electoral integrity and civic awareness.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, executive director of PAACA, spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the MacArthur Foundation country office to present the CSO’s publication, “We the People Memorandum on Electoral Reforms.”
Nwagwu said the memorandum was developed through nationwide consultations and reflects citizens’ recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral processes and rebuild trust in democratic institutions.
He said the foundation’s support facilitated citizen engagement through town halls across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and fostered meaningful side interactions with journalists and CSOs.
“It was truly enriching to meet journalists and civil societies, who are also invested in credible elections, while holding the town hall engagements,” Nwagwu said.
“We organised 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 said the project also provided an opportunity to bridge knowledge gaps between citizens and the media.
“What you find out there is that many people survive on rumours or hearsay and often lack reliable information about the electoral process,” he said.
“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 the recommendations drawn from the memorandum have already been presented to the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the national assembly.
Kole Shettima, the country director of the MacArthur Foundation, commended the PAACA team for travelling across the country to gather citizens’ views.
Shettima reiterated the foundation’s commitment to continue to support the growth of democracy in Nigeria, adding that ahead of the 2027 elections, the foundation will work with partners in the country’s electoral process.
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