“Democracy is based on the majority principle. This is especially true where the vast majority have been systemically denied their rights. At the same time, democracy also requires that the rights of political and other minorities be safeguarded.”

– Nelson Mandela

In a democracy, the citizens have dreams and aspirations about what they would like their country to be like. The political party system is the mechanism by which those dreams come true by way of policies, rules and regulations. Therefore, politics cannot be separated from a country’s development.

However, is Nigeria’s political system capable of delivering the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians? Is it currently living up to expectations or is it failing Nigerians?

To answer these questions, we must understand how the current system works – the structure, its strengths, weaknesses and the key stakeholders. EiE Nigeria is hosting a conversation on Saturday, July 8^th to discuss these issues and proffer solutions. EiE’s Executive Director, Ms ‘Yemi Adamolekun said, “The 2019 election cycle is already here. We are interested in not just talking about the challenges but examining solutions that will help aspirants in elections post 2019.”

The conversation will be moderated by Feyi Fawehimi, a social commentator who thinks “it is hard to decide on who is more annoying between the politicians or the ‘delegates’. The politicians can’t be trusted, of course. But the delegates are almost universally only interested in the money”.

The distinguished panelists have a range of experience in running for public office:

1. Ayisha Osori, Federal House of Representatives aspirant in Abuja on the platform of the PDP in 2015. She has written a forthcoming book, Love Does Not Win Elections, documenting her experience. In her book, she states that “money is important but it provides no guarantees”.
2. Bobo Omotayo, Ogun State House of Assembly aspirant on the platform of the PDP in 2011. He wrote a part fictional and part factional account of the experience in a book titled The Honourable.
3. Akinyinka Akinnola, Ondo Gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the APC in 2016.

There will also be book signings by Ayisha Osori and Bobo Omotayo.

The event is hosted by EiE Nigeria in partnership with YNaija.

It is a FREE event, though registration is required. It will be livestreamed on Facebook. The highly anticipated event is a proverbial hotcake as the venue – Muson Centre Agip Hall, is at full capacity because tickets for the event sold out within a week of opening up its registration to the public!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!