The International Republican Institute (IRI) has launched a five-year $5.5m Responsive Political Party Program (RPPP) fund to strengthen the nation’s registered political parties.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja yesterday, the Country Director of the institute, Sentell Barnes, said Nigerians saw the first peaceful transfer of power from a ruling political party to an opposition party following the 2015 General Elections.
“Despite this historic milestone, Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and political parties have struggled to be responsive to citizens’ needs and provide crucial government oversight and accountability.
“With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the RPPP will increase the frequency and intensity of political party interactions with their constituents and improve communication at all levels, IRI will be working in four states; Adamawa, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Sokoto,” Barnes said.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington and IRI President Daniel Twining among other international and prominent Nigerian politicians attended.
