Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini has been named Chairman of the Occasion for the second edition of Bel Dialogue, the flagship public policy engagement platform of Bel Media Consult Limited.
The organisers disclosed that the event will hold on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, Anwai Road, Asaba, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Themed, “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” the 2026 edition will focus on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountable governance and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral and governance processes.
Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief, said Bel Dialogue was established as a non-partisan platform to promote informed discussions on governance, public policy, leadership and national development.
According to the organisers, the initiative brings together policymakers, professionals, civil society organisations, academics, traditional institutions, media practitioners and members of the public to deliberate on critical national issues and proffer practical solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, the Secretary of the Advisory Board and Executive Director of Bel Dialogue, Emmanuel Enebeli, said the choice of Igini reflected the organisers’ commitment to credibility, excellence and the promotion of democratic values.
He described the former electoral commissioner as a respected figure in Nigeria’s electoral system, noting that his record in electoral administration, constitutional democracy and institutional accountability made him well suited to chair this year’s event.
Enebeli said Igini earned national recognition during his service with INEC for conducting elections that reflected the will of the electorate while maintaining transparency, impartiality and professionalism.
He said, “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 explained that, unlike the conventional lecture format, Bel Dialogue was designed as an interactive platform where experts, stakeholders and members of the public engage in solution-driven discussions on governance and national development.
Enebeli added that arrangements had reached an advanced stage for what he described as one of the biggest public policy engagements expected to hold in Delta State this year, noting that the names of the moderator, discussants and other participants would be unveiled in the coming days.
He urged public office holders, lawmakers, political leaders, professionals, academics, civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth organisations, private sector operators, media practitioners and other Nigerians to participate in the event.
“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.”
