OCCEN

Briefly describe the Activity: the program was chaired by the Executive Director OCCEN Abdulrazaq Alkali. The one day session was an interactive with participants’ category. The engagement achieved to have come up with some recommendation to take up on inclusive political party.

The presenters had the following talking points:

• Party and Election Challenges Addressed by Mal Abdulrazak Alkali the Executive Director OCCE. Alkali outlined challenges in the electoral process, including issues with delegate and primary elections, pick pointing, and pin appointing. Money politics was identified as a significant concern, along with internal democracy challenges. Alkali scrutinized the introduction of an oligarchy system into Nigerian politics, emphasizing the importance of adhering to rules and policies when involving family members in politics.

• Tahir Mahmood Saleh, the Program Officer with OCCEN, provided a discussion on “Youth Political Engagement: Challenges and Solutions.” Saleh emphasized that involving young individuals in politics is not merely an option but a critical necessity for the progress and vitality of Kano State. Recognizing the richness of Kano’s history and the diversity of its population, Saleh underscored that youth participation holds the key to addressing specific challenges, driving local innovation, and establishing a more inclusive and representative political system tailored to the unique needs of the state.

• Women’s Role in Decision Making Discussed by Mufeeda Kabeer. Mufeeda is the, OCCEN’s Gender Officer, delved into the obstacles hindering women’s participation in decision-making processes. Challenges highlighted encompassed discouragement from political parties, funding issues, community resistance, violence, and harassment. Kabeer proposed solutions, including legal reforms, networking, and mentorship programs for women and youth.

• INEC Gender officer gave goodwill message on INEC’s Inclusive Voting Initiatives: providing an insights into INEC’s efforts to facilitate inclusive voting. This included the introduction of assistive materials like braille votes. Practical measures, such as separate lines for women during elections and posters catering to the hearing impaired, were implemented to enhance the overall inclusivity of the electoral process.

Insights from Participants:

Abubakar Tudunmurtala, a participant and former APGA candidate, shared his experience of dropping his candidacy despite winning the primary election. Citing mentorship from former Governor Mal Ibrahim Shekarau, he advocated for a 10% youth inclusion in political parties.

Youth and Women Issues Identified:

1. Lack of organizational structure among youth.
2. Absence of mentorship opportunities for aspiring politicians.
3. Funding challenges impeding active youth participation.
4. Tendency for youth to easily change political affiliations, posing a challenge to sustained engagement

Observations.

The program provided a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in Kano politics. The comprehensive recommendations put forth aim to foster a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable political landscape, encouraging active participation from the youth and women.

Accomplishments:

Sensitization of the attendants on the inclusive political parties practices in Kano State.

Challenges:  Some attendees arrived late

Action points/Next Steps:  1. Establishment of a youth politics mentorship platform

Recommendations:

1. Advocacy against money politics, promoting transparent and accountable practices.
2. Encouragement of parity between larger and smaller political parties to ensure equal opportunities.
3. Engagement with legislators to advocate for the inclusion of parties and youth in standing committees.
4. Establishment of a youth politics mentorship platform within OCCEN, aiming to systematically guide and mentor young individuals, particularly women, interested in pursuing a career in politics.