Dauda Garuba

Nigeria's 2027 Elections: What Do the Numbers Tell Us? 🇳🇬 With over 103 million registered voters, 176,846 polling units and more than 700,000 ad hoc personnel required for each election day, the scale of Nigeria's 2027 general elections presents significant logistical, technological and institutional demands. But beyond the headline figures, what do we know about the electorate, the distribution of registered voters across the country, the candidates contesting and the systems being put in place to deliver credible elections? Drawing on the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) address at its 100-day countdown briefing on 6 October 2026, CDD-West Africa examines the figures shaping preparations for the polls. Our infographics explore: 🔹 Voter registration: The size and geographical distribution of Nigeria's electorate. 🔹 Demographics and inclusion: Age, gender and disability representation on the voter register. 🔹 Political competition: Candidate nominations across the five major elective office categories. 🔹 Electoral logistics: The personnel, infrastructure and transportation required to deliver elections nationwide. 🔹 Technology and electoral integrity: Developments in voter accreditation, electronic result transmission and cybersecurity. #NigeriaDecides2027 #ElectoralIntegrity #CDDWestAfrica

The Centre for Democracy and Development @CDDWestAfrica, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office @FCDOGovUK through the SPRiNG programme, conducted a training and onboarding session for Community Dialogue Committee members and Election Security Threat Reporters who will support election security monitoring and early warning efforts ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The engagement brought together selected participants from Katsina and Kaduna States and focused on strengthening their capacity to identify, document, analyse, and report emerging security threats and incidents that could affect the electoral process. The 2027 General Elections 🇳🇬 are already taking place against a challenging security environment, characterised by both longstanding security threats and emerging election-related risks. These challenges are compounded by the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, which can heighten tensions, deepen divisions, and potentially contribute to electoral violence. The training is part of activities under the Election Security and Resilience Project and seeks to strengthen community-level capacity for early identification and reporting of election security threats, facilitate timely response and dialogue, and contribute to a more peaceful and resilient electoral process through evidence-based research and strategic stakeholder engagement.

Political participation does not begin and end at the ballot box. 🗳️ In Episode 4 of CDD-West Africa’s Road to 2027 series, Anthonia Onda and Moses Abolade reflected on what it takes for young Nigerians to move from political interest to meaningful influence. The conversation explored the importance of organising, advocacy and accountability; the need to combine digital mobilisation with sustained offline engagement; and the structural barriers that continue to shape young people’s participation in public life. As Nigeria looks towards 2027, the question is not only whether young people will vote, but how they can organise, participate and build the collective power needed to shape the political process. Here are a few reflections from the conversation. #RoadTo2027 #YouthPoliticalParticipation #NigeriaDemocracy

🚨 NEW BLOG POST Mali’s crisis did not begin in 2012. 🇲🇱 Rather, 2012 marked a major turning point in a much longer history of rebellion, terrorism, political instability, intercommunal violence, and organised criminal activity. Yet one critical question remains: What does sovereignty mean for a state still confronting multiple, interconnected threats to its territory, institutions, and population? In our latest blog, “Mali’s Multidimensional Crisis and the Quest for Sovereignty,” Souleymane Coulibaly traces the historical roots of Mali’s security crisis and examines the different armed actors that have shaped the country’s political and territorial landscape. The article distinguishes between separatist groups pursuing autonomy or independence and terrorist organisations seeking to impose an Islamic state through violence. It also explores how these distinctions have become increasingly blurred through shifting alliances and tactical cooperation between armed groups. Reflecting on Mali’s political transition since 2020, the piece examines the country’s efforts to redefine its international partnerships, strengthen its military capabilities, regain control of strategic territories, and reaffirm its national sovereignty. However, territorial gains have not brought an end to insecurity. Armed groups have adapted their tactics, while attacks on infrastructure and disruptions to fuel and electricity supplies continue to affect the daily lives of citizens. As Mali continues along this difficult trajectory, the article offers an important reminder that sovereignty is not secured through territorial control alone. It also requires resilient institutions, regional cooperation, public confidence, and the capacity of the state to protect and provide for its people. Because the pursuit of strategic independence is not a single victory. It is a long, demanding, and costly process. Read the full article here 👇🏼 cddwestafrica.org/blog/mali-… #Mali #Sahel #Security #Sovereignty #WestAfrica

The Road to 2027 begins now. As Nigeria moves closer to its next electoral cycle, critical questions around political parties, democratic competition, and institutional readiness are coming to the fore. Join the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa) for an upcoming X Space conversation where we unpack these issues with leading voices in the field. 🗓 3 June 2026 ⏰ 3:00 PM (WAT) 📍 X Space Featuring: Ann Iyonu, Executive Director, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham Moderated by Faridha Salihu-Lukman, CDD–West Africa Be part of the conversation shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. #CDDWestAfrica #RoadTo2027 #Democracy #NigeriaDecides #XSpace – at Abuja, Nigeria

📍Abuja, Nigeria | March 31, 2026 The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa) launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, a roadmap for advancing democracy, peace, and development across the region. At a time of shifting political realities in West Africa, the convening brought together policymakers, academics, development partners, and civil society actors to reflect on what the next phase of governance must look like. 🔍 Highlights: 📘 Strategic Plan Presentation – Prof. Victor Adetula outlined CDD’s priorities for the next five years 🧠 Keynote Reflection – Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim challenged prevailing assumptions on democracy and development 💬 Panel Discussion – Moderated by Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, the conversation asked: “Failing the people, or the people failing?” 🌍 In the Room: Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Special Guest of Honour & Chairperson) Comrade John Odah (IGC Chairman) ECOWAS PAPS (represented by Dr. Danjuma Aku) Ambassador Dapo Oyewole (represented) Dr. Kole Shettima (MacArthur Foundation) Mr. Waziri Adio (Agora Policy) Dr. Dayo Kusa (Conflict Transformation Strategist; former Director, IPCR) Dr. Husseini Abdu (Care Int’l) Partners across government, academia, and civil society The message is clear: the future of governance in West Africa must be context-driven, adaptive, and rooted in evidence. 📥 The Strategic Plan will be available soon. #CDDWestAfrica #Governance #Democracy #WestAfrica #Policy #StrategicPlanning #Development – at Abuja, Nigeria

What happens after a coup? Not just a return to democracy… but a full rethink of governance itself. From shifting alliances to new models of power, the Sahel is redefining what governance looks like in real time. 🌍 This week in Abuja, CDD–West Africa brought together policymakers, academics, and global partners to unpack one big question: What comes next for the Sahel? The takeaway? This isn’t a temporary disruption. It’s a transformation. 📥 Full report at CDDWestAfrica.org #CDDWestAfrica #Sahel #Governance #PolicyTok #WestAfrica #Peacebuilding #Research #AbujaEvents – at Abuja, Nigeria

🔴 #HappeningNow | After 29 years of defending democracy & driving development across West Africa, @CDDWestAfrica is stepping boldly into the future. The words of Dr. @kfayemi resonate deeply in the room. In his keynote address, he brings a wealth of experience in governance & leadership to bear on what this moment means, not just for @CDDWestAfrica, but for democracy across Africa. This is the kind of vision that shapes the next five years. 💡 We are proud to launch our Strategic Plan 2026–2030. A roadmap for the next chapter of democratic governance on the Continent. 🌍 #CDDStrategicPlan2030 #HappeningNow #CDDAt29 #DemocracyAndDevelopment

How can a country see its security situation deteriorate year after year, its poverty remains massive, the majority of its youth unemployed and yet offers its leaders popular support that many democracies would envy? How can populations enduring food insecurity, unemployment and power cuts express satisfaction with those who govern them? CDD-West Africa 🇳🇬 has release a report titled - Security, Resource Governance and Development Trajectories: A Comparative Assessment of Post-Coup Governance in the Sahel. This report highlights a detailed assessment of governance in the sahelian states after the coup. You can read the report here 👇🏼 cddwestafrica.org/reports/se… #AES #Governance #Sahel – at Abuja, Nigeria

📢 Call for Blog Pitches The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa) invites researchers, policy analysts, and subject-matter experts to submit analytical blog pitches on Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), Nigeria’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiative within its non-kinetic counterinsurgency framework. We are seeking evidence-based analysis that interrogates key issues around OSC and contributes to informed public and policy debate on peacebuilding, reintegration, and security governance. ✍🏾 Selected contributors will write a 1,200-1,500 word analytical blog article. 📄 To apply: Submit a 250–300 word abstract with your proposed title, core argument, analytical focus, and a short bio. 💰 Professional Fee: ₦160,000 (gross) 📅 Pitch deadline: 31 March 2026 📧 Send abstracts to: [email protected] Copy: [email protected] Subject: Abstract Submission – Operation Safe Corridor Blog – Name Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. #CDDWestAfrica #Peacebuilding #SecurityGovernance #Nigeria #ResearchCall – at Abuja, Nigeria

We are gathered at the social science auditorium at University of Jos to mark the 100 years of Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and political philosopher, from the French colony of martinique. His works have become influential in the field of post colonial studies and critical theory. At the Frantz Fanon Conference on decolonisation, identity and liberation, Prof. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja (DRC) is present. He is a Congolese scholar and author, Professor at UNC Chapel Hill and former DRC Permanent Representative to the UN. Also joining us at the Frantz Fanon Conference is Prof. Adele Jinadu, a distinguished political scientist. His work as a former INEC Commissioner and AAPS President has shaped conversations on electoral reform, federalism and democratic governance across Africa. #Fanonat100 #FrantzFanonat100 #FrantzFanonConference2025 – at Gamajigo, Nigeria

📢 Nouveau Rapport | CDD-West Africa x OIDH Que se passe-t-il lorsque les coups d'État militaires ne se cachent plus dans l'ombre, mais arrivent accompagnés de hashtags populaires, d’hymnes patriotiques et d’une mise en scène numérique bien orchestrée ? Notre dernier rapport, « Le Populisme Militaire Émergent en Afrique Francophone », explore cette nouvelle vague de gouvernance militaire, qui mêle rhétorique populiste, nostalgie anti-impérialiste et propagande digitale pour redéfinir la manière dont le pouvoir est revendiqué, consolidé et légitimé dans la région. 📍Du Mali au Niger, du Burkina Faso au Gabon, ces régimes ne se contentent plus de prendre le pouvoir : ils redéfinissent la légitimité. Et de plus en plus, ils le font via des récits numériques qui opposent « le peuple » à la démocratie libérale, à l’influence étrangère et aux institutions civiles. En collaboration avec l’OIDH – Observatoire Ivoirien des Droits de l’Homme, ce document de travail : 🌍 Retrace les racines historiques et idéologiques du populisme militaire en Afrique de l’Ouest francophone 📑 Analyse comment les juntes utilisent des plateformes comme WhatsApp, X, TikTok et Telegram pour mobiliser le soutien populaire 🧭 Cartographie les réseaux de désinformation, l’influence étrangère et l’affaiblissement des garde-fous démocratiques 📚 Pose les bases d’un cycle de recherche de 8 mois sur cette menace croissante pour la résilience démocratique dans la région 📄 Lire le rapport complet ici : cddwestafrica.org/reports/le… Ce projet est soutenu par le National Democratic Institute (NDI) et s’inscrit dans nos efforts plus larges pour défendre la démocratie, protéger l’espace civique et faire face à l’adaptation autoritaire en Afrique de l’Ouest. #PopulismeMilitaire #AfriqueDeLOuest #CDDWestAfrica #OIDH #Démocratie #AutoritarismeNumérique #Désinformation #Gouvernance #Sécurité #AfriqueFrancophone

Today, 26 August 2025, CDD-West Africa was delighted to host the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The KAIPTC team visited to evaluate their training programs and engage with us on emerging trends in conflict, peace, and migration. We shared insights from our work on democracy, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance, while also learning from KAIPTC’s rich experience in training and capacity building across Africa. Partnerships like this strengthen our collective commitment to building a more peaceful and resilient continent. #Peacebuilding #ConflictResolution #Migration #Partnerships #Democracy #CDD #KAIPTC

📑PRESS STATEMENT CDD-West Africa Raises Alarm Over Rising Military Populism In Francophone Africa

Our Director, Dr. Dauda Garuba, attended the launch of the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience in Katsina & Zamfara States project yesterday at Hillside Royal Suites in Katsina. Excited to collaborate with our partners @EUinNigeria @IOM_Nigeria @mercycorpsng @CDDWestAfrica on building peace and resilience! #Katsina #Zamfara #ConflictPrevention #Nigeria

🚨 New Blog Post Broken Trust: Why the Nigerian Judiciary Must Win Back the People ✍🏾 By Agathus Chibuike Mgbeahuruike, Election Consultant at CDD-West Africa Once seen as the guardian of justice and democracy, Nigeria’s judiciary now faces a crisis of confidence. Corruption, political interference, and controversial rulings have eroded public trust in an institution that should stand as a bulwark against abuse of power. This analysis explores: ⚖️ How political capture and corruption undermine judicial independence ⚖️ Why public trust has eroded after years of controversial rulings ⚖️ What reforms are needed to restore credibility and integrity “Gone are the days when Nigerians believed the judiciary was the sole liberator of society. It must now confront its failures—and rebuild trust.” 📖 Read the full article here: cddwestafrica.org/blog/broke… #Nigeria #Judiciary #Governance #Democracy #RuleOfLaw #CDDWestAfrica

🗳️ International Day of Democracy 2025 This year, the global theme calls on us to reflect on the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a timely reminder that democracy must evolve to meet the challenges of the digital age. At CDD-West Africa, we believe democracy must not only represent the people, but also protect them, from unchecked power, whether military or machine. As platforms grow more powerful and civic space shrinks, the need for accountability, transparency, and citizen voice has never been more urgent. #InternationalDayOfDemocracy #CDDWestAfrica #DemocracyInTheDigitalAge #AIandGovernance #CivicSpace #WestAfrica

Strengthening Reintegration & Peacebuilding Today, the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) Advisory Board, led by Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, visited CDD-West Africa to discuss the future of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts in Nigeria. Since 2016, OPSC has provided a structured pathway for former combatants to disengage from armed groups through de-radicalisation, vocational training, and psychological support, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. As an early and long-standing partner, CDD-West Africa has played a crucial role in shaping and monitoring the program, ensuring that reintegration efforts are effective and sustainable. With the recent expansion of OPSC into Zamfara State and the upcoming graduation of 792 clients, it is more important than ever to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration. Sustainable peace requires a collaborative approach. By working together—government, civil society, and local communities—we can create an environment where rehabilitated individuals have the support they need to successfully reintegrate. Together, we move forward! #Peacebuilding #Reintegration #CDDWestAfrica #OperationSafeCorridor