Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) programme, aimed at strengthening democratic governance across West Africa. The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative seeks to address challenges such as diminishing public trust, contested elections, and reduced civic freedoms through African-led strategies. Amb. Yusuf Tuggar emphasized that the programme will focus on bolstering electoral bodies, implementing early-warning systems against unconstitutional changes, empowering youth and civil society, and combating election misinformation. He highlighted that the RPD would facilitate cooperation across West Africa, enabling member states to learn from each other and jointly tackle challenges.
The initiative is described as a long-term investment in trust, inclusion, and accountable leadership, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s commitment to leading this effort, reflecting the country’s democratic tradition and dedication to regional stability.
Tuggar also acknowledged the UN’s partnership and technical guidance, noting that RPD is a home-grown yet globally informed mechanism addressing African challenges. He stressed the importance of strengthening electoral institutions and deploying rapid-response mechanisms against unconstitutional transitions.
During the inauguration, Ms. Elsie Attafuah of UNDP Nigeria praised the RPD as a testament to Nigeria’s leadership on the continent. She outlined the four pillars of the RPD, which include strengthening democratic institutions and public accountability, broadening inclusive citizen participation, promoting credible electoral systems, and fostering regional cooperation for democracy.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, affirmed the RPD’s commitment to advancing democracy, governance, development, and the Rule of Law across Africa. He was represented by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah. Additionally, Amb. Sola Enikanolaye conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s support for the initiative, with goodwill messages from various dignitaries, including Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Julius Sandy, and a vote of thanks by Amb. Dunoma Ahmed.