Nigeria was Tuesday urged to draw lessons from Brazil’s 2026 presidential election by strengthening electoral institutions, technology and grassroots participation. The Grassroots Initiative Party (GRIP) made this call in a statement issued in Abuja, saying electoral technology should be deployed to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie, Founder and National Chairperson of GRIP, in the statement, said the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, held on October 4, provided an opportunity for democratic societies, including Nigeria, to reflect on credible elections and citizen participation.
He said Nigeria should continue to strengthen the technological capacity of its electoral system while ensuring that election processes remain transparent, verifiable, auditable and accessible to stakeholders.
Said he: “Technology should serve one fundamental objective: to strengthen confidence in the integrity of the electoral process”.
Chukwumezie said grassroots organisation remained fundamental to democracy, urging political parties to maintain meaningful relationships with citizens at community, ward and local government levels.
He said political campaigns should focus on issues directly affecting Nigerians, including security, employment, economic opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure and cost of living.
The GRIP national chairperson also called for stronger democratic institutions, saying electoral bodies, legislatures, judiciary, security agencies and other public institutions must operate within the law.
He said political competition should be conducted peacefully, urging parties, candidates and their supporters to respect electoral rules and lawful mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Chukwumezie said disagreements arising from elections should be addressed through credible institutional and judicial processes rather than violence or intimidation.
He also stressed the need to build citizen participation on trust through accountability, transparency, effective representation and responsible leadership.
Noted he: “Voter participation cannot be sustained by appeals alone. It must be supported by a democratic system in which citizens believe that their voices can contribute meaningfully to the direction of government”.
Chukwumezie said GRIP remained committed to building a political movement that placed Nigerians at the centre of governance.
He said the party would continue to promote democracy, grassroots participation, accountability, security, economic opportunity and national development.
He urged political parties, electoral institutions, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic development.
The Brazil’s presidential election is slated for a second round on October 25.
