The Progressive Ward Chairmen Forum has demanded the inclusion of ward chairmen in national and state campaign councils, saying grassroots party leaders should have a direct role in decisions concerning political mobilisation.
The Chairman of the forum, Comrade Edidion Charles, made the demand on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja, where he called for greater recognition and empowerment of ward-level party leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Grassroots Democracy: The Role of Ward Leadership in Sustaining Progressive Governance, National Development and Democratic Unity,” Charles said ward chairmen remained the closest link between political parties and the electorate.
He said their exclusion from strategic campaign structures amounted to neglecting the experience of those who interacted directly with party members and voters at the grassroots.
Charles said, “The ward is the foundation upon which every successful political structure is built. If we want a strong, united and progressive political organisation, we must first strengthen the ward.”
He said the forum was established to strengthen, empower and connect more than 8,000 ward chairmen across the 774 Local Government Areas.
According to him, the platform would enable ward leaders to share experiences, address challenges confronting their members and contribute to political development.
The forum said grassroots mobilisation for the 2027 elections should begin long before the campaigns officially commenced.
Charles urged political parties to maintain regular engagement with ward structures rather than relying on ward leaders only during election periods.
He said the forum would promote voter education, civic awareness, peaceful participation and responsible political communication as the country approaches the elections.
The chairman also called for greater consultation between party leaders and ward executives, particularly on decisions affecting party members and communities.
He urged political leaders to address divisions, factionalism and internal disagreements through dialogue, saying the interests of political parties and the country should take precedence over personal ambitions.
Charles said ward chairmen should be regarded as strategic political stakeholders rather than mere election mobilisers.
He said their knowledge of local communities could help political parties develop more effective campaign strategies and policies.
The forum also called for more government attention to the economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly youths, women, farmers and small-business owners.
It urged increased efforts in employment creation, agriculture, education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, skills acquisition and access to affordable financing.
Charles said government policies should be assessed by their impact on Nigerians at the grassroots.
The forum further advocated increased participation of youths and women in politics, entrepreneurship, vocational training, agriculture, technology and leadership.
Charles said the energy and talents of young Nigerians should be channelled into productive activities that would contribute to national development.
The forum urged political actors and citizens to reject violence, hate speech, intimidation and other actions capable of undermining democratic stability.
Charles called for peaceful political engagement and dialogue despite differences among political parties and their supporters.
The forum listed strengthening ward structures, improving the welfare and training of ward chairmen, promoting internal democracy, increasing youth and women participation and improving communication between party leaders and grassroots members among its priorities.
It also called for development programmes that respond to grassroots needs and greater civic and voter education.
The forum said ward chairmen should be given a more prominent role in political decision-making, arguing that stronger ward structures would translate into stronger political parties and a more responsive democratic system.
“The strength of democracy begins at the ward. When we strengthen the ward, we strengthen the party; when we strengthen the party, we strengthen democracy; and when we strengthen democracy, we strengthen Nigeria,” Charles said.