2027: DICAN, China to Host Stakeholders’ Forum on Party Discipline, Accountability

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, will host an international stakeholders’ forum on party discipline, anti-corruption and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum, scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, will hold at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, with the participation of senior government officials, diplomats, political party leaders, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations and academics.

The engagement, themed “Nigeria’s 2027 Poll: Promoting Party Organisation, Discipline and Anti-Corruption Reforms: Lessons from Xi Jinping Thought,” is expected to examine ways of strengthening political institutions, promoting internal party democracy and improving accountability in public governance.

Expected participants include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, chairmen of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as well as members of the National Assembly and other senior policymakers.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, is also expected to deliver special remarks at the event, alongside other prominent national and international personalities.

In a statement on Monday, DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, said the forum was designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine practical approaches to strengthening political parties, tackling corruption and promoting responsible leadership as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.

He said Nigeria’s democratic stability depended not only on credible elections but also on the strength of institutions responsible for sustaining democratic governance.

“Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the strength of the institutions that sustain democracy. Strong political parties, accountable leadership, effective anti-corruption mechanisms and active citizen participation are essential pillars for democratic stability and national development,” Frederick said.

He noted that the gathering would encourage exchanges among policymakers, political leaders, civil society organisations, academics and development practitioners on governance practices that could be adapted to Nigeria’s institutional and political environment.

According to him, DICAN considers dialogue among stakeholders an important instrument for addressing governance challenges and building public confidence in democratic institutions.

Frederick said the forum would provide an opportunity to share experiences, examine best practices and develop recommendations for improving governance and institutional effectiveness.

He added that the involvement of anti-corruption agencies, political parties, scholars, civil society leaders and diplomatic representatives reflected the need for collective action in promoting transparency and sustainable development.

“The journey towards credible elections in 2027 begins with the work we do today to strengthen institutions, promote political discipline, encourage issue-based engagement and reinforce the culture of accountability,” he said.

The DICAN chairman expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other strategic partners for supporting the initiative.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting informed public discourse on diplomacy, governance, international cooperation and national development.

The association also urged government officials, political parties, academics, civil society organisations, development institutions and members of the diplomatic community to participate actively in the forum and contribute recommendations towards democratic consolidation and institutional reforms.