We’ll create opportunities to strengthen democracy – IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) said it will create opportunities that will enhance democracy in Nigeria.

“We are here to create windows of opportunities that will strengthen democracy and even participation in the process,” IRI Resident Programme Director, Sentell Barnes stated.

He was speaking at a sensitization seminar on Party Engagement with Marginalization group organised by the Institute.

He disclosed plans by the Institute to open a functional office in Sokoto to fast track and enhance full scale engagement of relevant politically oriented platforms for adequate participation and representation of the marginalised.

Barnes noted that political parties cannot stand without the involvement of basic stakeholders to engender a bond for responsive democratic foundation for participation.

He added: “Our doors are open for beneficial relations that will enhance the drive through meetings with political parties and institutions as well as effective advocacy.”

Barnes assured: “We will continue to work with various stakeholders such as political parties ministry, INEC to improve the process.”

Also speaking, anchor person of the Institute, Mr Sunday Alao harped on improved participation of marginalized groups in political party process

He noted that representations of such groups including women, youths and physically challenged in political parties were abysmally poor.

Sokoto State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Kulu Abdullahi said the ministry had been enhancing activities towards socio- economic, political development and general wellbeing of women and children.

Among stakeholders at the seminar included representatives of INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, women, youths and physically challenged.