Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Mike Igini, has been named Chairman of the second edition of Bel Dialogue, the annual public policy engagement platform of Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief.
The event, slated for Thursday, July 30, 2026, will take place at David's Event Centre, Anwai Road, Asaba, from 11:00 a.m. and will focus on the theme: "Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability."
Organisers said the theme was carefully chosen to address growing concerns over the need to strengthen democratic institutions, entrench accountability in governance and restore public confidence in Nigeria's electoral and democratic processes.
Announcing the programme, the Secretary of the Advisory Board and Executive Director of Bel Dialogue, Emmanuel Enebeli, said Igini's appointment underscores the organisers' commitment to promoting credible conversations on democracy, governance and institutional reforms.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, described the former electoral commissioner as one of Nigeria's most respected voices on electoral integrity and constitutional democracy.
"Hon. Mike Igini's distinguished record in electoral administration, constitutional democracy and institutional accountability makes him eminently qualified to chair this year's dialogue," Enebeli said.
He noted that during his career with the Independent National Electoral Commission, Igini earned national recognition for conducting elections that reflected the genuine will of the electorate while upholding transparency, impartiality and professionalism.
"His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity, the rule of law and democratic accountability has earned him widespread respect across Nigeria and beyond. His wealth of experience and principled leadership make him an ideal Chairman for a dialogue focused on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the people's votes truly count," he added.
Bel Dialogue is a non-partisan annual initiative established by Bel Media Consult Limited to stimulate informed discussions on governance, leadership, public policy and national development. The platform brings together policymakers, legislators, civil society organisations, academics, traditional institutions, professionals, the media and citizens to examine pressing national issues and proffer practical solutions.
According to Enebeli, this year's edition builds on the success of the maiden Bel Dialogue, which established the platform as a credible forum for robust civic engagement and policy discourse.
He explained that unlike conventional lecture series, Bel Dialogue adopts an interactive format that encourages open, solution-driven conversations among experts, stakeholders and members of the public on issues critical to Nigeria's democratic development.
Enebeli disclosed that preparations for the event have reached an advanced stage, adding that the moderator, panelists and other distinguished participants will be unveiled in the coming days.
He called on public office holders, lawmakers, political leaders, members of the academic community, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups, private sector operators, media practitioners and other Nigerians to participate in what he described as one of the state's foremost public policy engagements.
"Bel Dialogue is driven by the conviction that democracy can only thrive when institutions are strong, elections are credible, leaders are accountable and citizens remain actively engaged in the democratic process. We believe this year's conversation will make meaningful contributions to the ongoing national discourse on democratic governance and institutional reforms," Enebeli stated.
