By Ahmed Rufai, Dutse
The Democratic Reorientation Circle (DRC), a Non-Governmental Organization, has raised concern over the increasing monetization of elections in Nigeria, which they said is preventing competent persons from taking a shot at contesting elective positions across the country.
The group’s concern was expressed in a communiqué issued at the end of the DRC’s inaugural meeting, held at the Sultanate Hotel in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.
According to the communiqué, “Elections in Nigeria have become highly monetized, making it difficult for individuals with capacity, competency, and limited resources to contest for elective offices.”
The organization also noted that a significant portion of the electorate lacks a clear understanding of what to expect from both elected and appointed officials, which in turn hampers the delivery of good governance.
The DRC expressed its concerns over the fact that ethnicity and religion are often prioritized over capacity, competence, and integrity when voters choose candidates for elective offices.
Participants at the meeting emphasized the need to reorient the electorate on the true ideals of democracy through increased awareness.
The communiqué further stated that the DRC, in collaboration with other partners, would ensure continuous engagement with citizens on democratic processes and principles through advocacy and dialogue.
The meeting concluded that the DRC, along with its partners, would work to build the capacity of individuals and groups to enhance the public’s understanding of governance, creating a more informed electorate.
The DRC also called on voters to elect candidates based on competence and integrity, urging Nigerians to support the organization’s efforts to promote democratic values and good governance.
The Democratic Reorientation Circle (DRC) is an initiative dedicated to promoting democratic values and principles, bridging the gap between the government and the governed, and ensuring that democracy is respected and cherished by all Nigerians.
The DRC’s core objectives include, but are not limited to: conducting educational programs and campaigns to increase awareness of democratic values and governance processes among Nigerians; encouraging active participation in democratic processes by providing platforms for dialogue and interaction between citizens and their representatives; training individuals and groups on effective advocacy and civic responsibilities to empower them to take active and informed roles in governance; and conducting research on democratic practices while advocating for policies that enhance democratic governance in Nigeria.