Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on Electoral Matters, has called for inclusive electoral reforms to enhance the democratic process in Nigeria.
The federal lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District stated this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas.
According to the statement, Alli made the call in his opening address at the North-West Zonal Legislative Interactive Session on the Electoral Act, held in Katsina, Katsina State.
The theme of the session was ‘Legislation and Participation of Women and Young Persons in Elections and Leadership’.
Senator Alli also reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assemblyto refining Nigeria’s electoral framework, underscoring the importance of inclusivity to advance the political landscape.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker stressed the need to foster greater participation of all groups in the country’s governance.
Alli commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina for hosting the event and acknowledged the robust participation of government officials, legislators and community leaders.
He said the consultations by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters have spread across the country from Lagos to Ibadan and Port Harcourt, engaging diverse demographics, including youth, women and civil society organisations.
“This process has taken us beyond Lagos and Abuja. At the National Assembly, our efforts have been to listen and act on the views of citizens across the nation,” he said.
Senator Alli said the President Bola Tinubu administration has fostered a favourable political environment, adding that it has initiated radical but far-reaching changes aimed at fast-tracking national development.
Alli encouraged Nigerians, particularly women and young people, to actively participate in the democratic process, stressing that the groups were vital drivers of Nigeria’s progress.
The lawmaker said the legislative session also enjoyed support from international partners, such as the Government of Canada, UN Women, and Kimpact Initiative for Development.
He added that their contributions underscored the significance of strengthening Nigeria’s electoral systems through collective efforts.
As contained in the statement, Senator Alli expressed optimism that the sessions would lead to reforms that truly reflect the will of the people.
