CDD programmes are conceptualized to develop the organization’s regional vocation and are centered on the following themes:

Democratic Governance:

• Parliamentary engagement
• Promoting Peace and Human Security in West Africa in concert with regional institutions and civil society
• Elections
• Deepening democratic governance through strengthening political parties and promoting free and fair elections
• Facilitating constitution and legal reforms
• Decentralization and Local Governance
• West African Futures and Horizon Scanning

People-Centred Development:

• Promoting Transparency and Accountability through Budget Monitoring
• SDGs: Advancing people-centred development through raising capacity for SDGs attainment. Supporting, monitoring and promoting local initiatives
• Environment and Climate Change: Enhancing civic participation and legislative oversight on emerging trends in the extractive industry, supporting institutions to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change on local communities.
• Gender and Economic Rights: Promoting gender and economic rights of women as a cross cutting theme
• Urbanisation and Migration
• Project teams are coordinated by Head of Programmes along thematic areas.

Projects:

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE PROJECTS

 

1. Peace & Human Security

Boko Haram: Government and Peace Negotiation

Donor: OSIWA

Duration: 2013

Coverage: Nigeria

A monograph on Boko Haram, the Government and Peace Negotiation emanated from a workshop of the same name. The workshop brought together an array of Nigerians from different sectors to look at ways of solving the crisis. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the paper, Boko Haram, the Government and Peace Negotiation by Prof. James Kantiok who explored various narratives in respect of the conflicts and ways of solving the conflict.

 

https://www.africansecuritynetwork.org/assn/symposium-on-rising-insecurity-in-north-eastern-nigeria/

 

 

 

Talk on Boko Haram; Boko Haram, Insecurity, and the 2015 Elections in Nigeria: Taking Stock and Looking Forward

Donor: Swiss Embassy

Duration: 2015

Coverage: Nigeria

To broaden the discussion and look at the challenges that the country faced in the lead up to the 2015 Nigerian General Elections, the organisation in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy organised a ‘Talk’ on “Boko Haram, Insecurity, and the 2015 Elections in Nigeria: Taking Stock and Looking Forward.” In the lead up to the elections, the Boko Haram insurgence posed a lot of challenges toward the peaceful conduct of the elections in terms of the continuing acts of violence and the constitutional issues that lingered in the elections were not be conducted in the areas were the crisis was ensuing. The talk featured prominently Jacob Zenn of the Jamestown Foundation in Washington DC, USA and Prof. Kyari Mohammed of the Modibbo Adama Unviversity of Technology Yola, Adamawa State. Both speakers offered their perspectives of the crisis. Members of the diplomatic community, civil society, and government officials at the state and federal levels participated and contributed to the talk.

 

CDD-West Africa is now a part of the Countering Violence Extremism Coalition. It is a coalition of civil society organisations working with the Office of the National Security Adviser. The coalition has designed a project that will look at ways of countering the insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.

 

 

Rural Banditry in Northern Nigeria

Donor: Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP)

Duration: 2016

Coverage: Nigeria

Even as the Boko Haram insurgency threatened the very existence of the country, the long persisting conflict between the farmers and herdsmen reached a crescendo in the period. The middle belt region of Nigeria was enmeshed in crisis that cost several lives and property. To engage the issue for possible solutions, the organization commissioned research on rural banditry in Northern Nigeria. Drawn from a well-articulated methodology the project engaged seasoned researchers who looked at different issues pertaining to the conflict and made recommendations that can take the country away from this quagmire. Research book published and policy briefs detailing different issues with respect to the conflict and recommendations also published and widely disseminated. A dissemination workshop was convened to share the research output with the Governor of Kaduna State and other critical stakeholders in the Northern Nigeria. A memo was also drafted based on the research findings and used to engage the National Assembly during debate over addressing rural banditry challenges in the country.

 

Swiss Political Forums - Approaches to dealing with violent extremism: the case of North-Eastern Nigeria

Donor: Embassy of Switzerland

Duration: 2016

Coverage: Nigeria

These are sets of forums jointly organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Abuja and Centre for Democracy and Development. The forum brought together seasoned experts and key stakeholders to intellectually discuss and practically analyse the push and pull factors, as well as approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism within the Nigerian context.

 

The Forums also aim to provide an avenue for knowledge sharing and experience learning, and intend to avail at the end of the series a consolidated report with policy recommendations to Government and others working to address the security challenges in North-eastern Nigeria. This series of logically sequenced forums are:

 

• Doctrinal Analysis and Development of Counter Narratives (was held on 17 February 2016);

 

• Options to End Violent Extremism in North-eastern Nigeria (3 May 2016);

 

• Amnesty vs Justice – Reconciliation in the Context of the North East (6 September 2016);

 

• Individual Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (4^th of October 2016).

 

These Forums are also in line with Switzerland’s support to and engagement in the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), which works in partnership with governments, civil society, and the private sector to support national strategies to address local drivers of violent extremism.

 

 

Open Mind

Donor: Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR)

Duration: 2016

Coverage: Nigeria

The Centre for Democracy and Development among other things led on research component of a project entitled Open Minds programme. Other implementing members who worked on other components on the project are CITAD and PIN. The project strengthens critical thinking, support civic networks and bolster employment potential for young people in northern Nigeria. CDD has gathered baseline information on the main population groups susceptible to violent extremism, the principal drivers for those who support violent extremism, the opportunities open to them, and the information environment including media habits and behaviours across Kano, Abuja and Bauchi. CDD also tracked safety and security issues, and the practicalities of responsible and effective implementation. This ensures that the scaling up of the programme will be targeted and based on the lessons learned from the initial stage.

 

De-Radicalization, Counter-Terrorism and Migration in Northern Nigeria (DCM)

Donor: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Duration: 2016-2017

Coverage: Nigeria

The project “De-Radicalization, Counter-Terrorism and Migration Project in Northern Nigeria” (NERSS) is jointly implemented by Centre for Democracy and Development, Internal Peacekeeping Centre of the Nigeria Armed Forces and Institute of legal studies with financial support through the United Nations Development Programme by Government of Japan. The project supports the community level clergy and traditional rulers and civil society organizations in developing and disseminating counter-radical narratives to radical ideologies of fundamentalist groups in Nigeria. It is also addressing increasing distrust between the security agencies and the communities which has further accentuated the emergence of extremists and rendered ineffective government’s counter-terrorism measures, including the prevention of irregular migration. Security agencies would also be brought up-to-scale on community partnership in the fight against terrorism. The Project also support communities in strengthening their capacity in the area of developing counter-radical narratives to extremist religious views as well as support for intra and inter-community coordination in preventing and responding to emergent cases of radicalism.

 

 

Farmer-Herder Conflict Management and Peacebuilding Project

Donor: Carnegie Corporation

Duration: 1+ Year (2022 - 2023)

Coverage: North West and Central Nigeria (Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, Nasarawa)

The Farmer-herder project was funded with a grant received from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to address the prevailing issue of the farmer-herder conflict, which primarily began in the Northwest region of Nigeria, and has spread beyond the Northwest to nearly about 32 other states of the country with incidences of various forms of attacks leading to loss of human and material resources. The conflict has worsened the already protracted food crisis in the country. Land-use disputes, historically resolved through traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, have become more difficult to contain with the increased availability of small arms and light weapon. Climate change and population growth have also increased pressure on available resources.  Kaduna, Benue, Zamfara, and Katsina states are the worst hit by these crises amongst other forms of insecurity which includes banditry, kidnapping, and sexual and gender-based violence, among other types of crime, terrorizing communities, attacking villages, raping, rustling of castles, ambushing travellers, and kidnapping

Against this background, it was important to develop a concrete engagement strategy and programming to ameliorate the pains of citizens in the North-Western states; by undertaking a proactive approach to forestalling the security of lives and property in the region. To support the effort of the government and national and state level, the Centre for Democracy and Development under her Peace and Conflict programs implemented a series of activities focused on peacebuilding, and promoting social cohesion among citizens such as facilitating Community-Based Local Dialogues, organizing a one-day capacity building and community engagement session in Kaduna and Sokoto (for Zamfara) with thirty-two (32) local actors in attendance from four communities including Bernin Kwari, Zango Kartaf in Kaduna, Shinkafi and Maro in Zamfara, with the presence of the community, religious (Christians and Muslims), traditional leaders, youths, women, farmers, and herders, on facilitating community-based conversations, social cohesion, and peacebuilding initiatives, organized a two-day national dialogue on managing farmer-herder relations in Nigeria amongst others.

The following activities were carried out on the project from January 2022 to June 2022.

1. State Level Community Dialogue Meeting with Shinkarfi, Maro, Birnin-Gwari and Zango-Kataf Local Government in Kaduna and Zamfara State: In an effort to recognise the critical role played by communities and appropriate local peacebuilding structures to resolve the farmer-herder conflict, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) held peace dialogues with local critical stakeholders in communities of Kaduna and Zamfara states in northwest Nigeria. These conversations aimed to support the building of peace architectures in local communities and bridge the gap between policymakers and direct victims of farmer-herder clashes. Groups represented included the Miyetti Allah Association, farmers associations, hunters’ association, vigilante groups, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth and women groups. At the end of the engagement, local communities formed peace committees that will mediate on issues of farmer-herder conflict once it arises. Communities resolved to have periodic dialogues between Miyetti Allah and farmers association. Warring factions of farmers and herders were reconciled during the community dialogue at Zango Kataf resolved to share fodders and organic fertilisers among themselves.

 

2. A Two-day national dialogue on managing farmer herder relations in Nigeria: To deepen the conversation from the community dialogues and capture all the emerging trends for policy advocacy, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) organized a two-day National multi-stakeholder conference on farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria on 7^th - 8^th of June 2022, Participants in attendance included the Emir of Argungu, the Commissioner of Internal Security in Kaduna State, members of civil society organisations, academics, and media organizations.

The conference examined the remote and immediate drivers of the farmer-herder conflicts such as climate change, urbanization, ethnic identities, corruption, lack of opportunities for youths, proliferation of small arms and light weapons amongst others. The conference also examined local variations in farmer-herder relations across Nigeria including the factors behind certain communities’ successful sustenance of historically peaceful relations. The role of traditional institutions in managing farmer-herder relations was also addressed. Participants also examined the successes and shortcomings of government efforts to address insecurity and land-use disputes especially the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

3. Book Publication: “State Failure? Violence, Insecurity and Terrorism in Nigeria: In recent years, analysis of the farmer-herder conflict has been shrouded in controversy and appears to be sometimes misleading. This is essentially because of the changing conflict dynamics in Nigeria. Although, farmer-herder conflict is unique and purely based on the contestation for fresh water and arable land, analysis of the conflict has not a made a clear distinction between banditry and other forms of criminalities from the farmer-herder conundrum.

Therefore, to properly contextualise and provide evidences to guide analysis of the conflict, fifteen researchers were commissioned to carry out studies and draft chapters on the current security dynamics in the country and how it has complicated the farmer-herder conflict. Thirteen researchers and two editors with profound experience on security studies were selected to conduct the studies and contribute to the seventeen chapters book.

4. Strategic Stakeholders Dialogue on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria: The Centre for Democracy and Development in partnerships with the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM) and the ECOWAS Commission organized a Strategic Stakeholders Dialogue on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria. The deliberations at the meeting led to the development of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Implementation Plan as a means of countering terrorist activities in the region as well as putting in place large-scale measures against terrorism. CDD supported the work with daily updates of conflicts across the region and develops a monthly factsheet from our documentation of the tracker till date.

 

 

Strengthening Conflict Prevention Capacity and Enhancing Policy Coherence in West Africa:

Donor:

Duration:

Coverage:

The project was designed to assist the building and consolidation of conflict prevention and policy coherence capacities of the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) and NGOs in West African sub-region.

 

Strengthening the Delivery of Peace and Security Project

Donor: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office (FCDO)

Duration: 3 Years (2021 - 2023)

Coverage: Northern Nigeria and Border towns of Nigeria and Niger.

The Strengthening the Delivery of Peace and Security (SDPS) in Nigeria project was funded by the U.K.’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). It was designed to respond to the rising insecurity, weak or partial public comprehension of the drivers of conflict, and increasingly strained cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse social groups through series of interrelated research and programmatic initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and security architecture in Nigeria. The activities are designed to positively influence and support public narratives, policy, and implementation through an evidence-based approach to strengthening social cohesion. The project delivered technical assistance to select security policy institutions, research and knowledge outputs that helped to counter fake news and disinformation, and the convened public discussions on and around peace building and security across Nigeria.

Specifically, the project delivered the following:

1. A National Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Promoting Peace and Security: CDD implemented a high-level national stakeholders engagement meeting in Abuja in collaboration with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to discuss lessons learned and to develop a national strategy guide for addressing peace and security management across states. The engagement was a high-level discussion bringing together stakeholders whose mandates cover either internal or border security management issues.
2. Capacity building of Hakimi’s and Ado’s on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Under the SDPS project, the Centre for Democracy trained Hakimi’s and Ardos (Hausas and Fulanis district and community heads) in Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Katsina and Zamfara states on various strategies of conflict resolution and peace building. These interventions led to a remarkable improvement in the peace. For example, in Gatawa, a community in Sokoto State, that shares borders with Niger Republic in the North and East, and Shinkafi and Isa Local Government in the South now enjoy relative peace after the SDPs intervention.  A representative of the Gatawa community in Sokoto who attended the training attested that the creation of the peace committee in the community has brought about relative peace. In his words “The peace accord has worked and the rate of killings in my community has drastically reduced.”
3. Strategic Engagements: The project worked with the Commissioners of Internal Security and Special Assistant to Governors on security to create a forum for knowledge sharing and develop a common strategy for combatting insecurity in the northwest region. The Centre for Democracy and Development also worked with the forum to develop policy frameworks, briefs, engagement strategies and communique to engage the state and federal government. This intervention is driving positive change in norm and attitude around peace and security both at the institutional, and community level. The Commissioner for Internal Security in Niger State emphasized how the Project has helped address the kinetic component of insecurity in the state towards peace and conflict resolution. In his words, “Yes…it (the project) has helped us in our non-kinetic effort towards community engagement and also peace and conflict resolution within the community base.”
4. Local Community Dialogues: In an effort to recognise the critical role local communities can play in conflict resolution, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) held peace dialogues with residents of Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states in northwest Nigeria as well as Niger state in the north-central. These conversations aimed to support the building of peace architectures in local communities and bridge the gap between policymakers and direct victims of banditry. Groups represented included the Miyetti Allah Association, farmers associations, hunters’ association, vigilante groups, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth, women, and governments officials.
5. Development and airing of jingles to to promote social cohesion, dispel fake news and misinformation: The SDPS project developed and aired series of jingles to promote social cohesion, dispel fake news and misinformation. The popular “Akamata” jingle has resonated with many and become very popular across the country. In an evaluation conducted on the project revealed that most respondents think the message and content of the jingle is appropriate, clear, suitable, and reflects the current reality around insecurity and fake news in the country. It been proved be culturally sensitive as a respondent from Sokoto, noted that the jingle message resonates with the tenets of the Islamic religion on peace.
6. Training of media professionals on media sensitivity reporting: The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD, through the SDP project, built the capacity media persons to focus on neutrality and facts-checking during conflict and sensitivity reporting to ensure that precise and reliable information is conveyed to the general public. This was aimed at promoting tolerance, dispel suspicion, and minimize disinformation and misinformation which are often implicated in escalation of conflicts.
7. Knowledge Products: As part of the SDPS project, the Centre for Democracy and Development conduct several and delivered notable knowledge products. The first is the Multiple Nodes, Common Causes: National Stocktake of Contemporary Insecurity and State Responses in Nigeria. This was baseline research that x-rayed the conflict dynamics in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. It provided a nuanced analysis of the causes, drivers, actors and solutions to insecurity in Nigeria. It has become a widely cited publication on insecurity in Nigeria with many media houses running feature stories on it. Also because of the uniqueness of the northwest region, the centre also commissioned and delivered a research report titled “Northwest Nigeria's Bandit Problem: Explaining the Conflict Drivers”. This report has also become widely referenced by policy experts and scholars on northwest banditry.

 

In the build-up to the 2023 general election, the Centre for Democracy and Development struck an important partnership with Armed Conflict Location and Events Data (ACLED) to produce “Election Security Tracker” that actively tracked issues of political violence and raised recommendations for relevant agencies. This tracker with an interactive map was able to show the changing nature of violence and hotspots as it occurs. This helped the centre to easily predict areas with high risks of election day and post-election violence. Beyond being very helpful to security experts and policy experts, predictions made with tracker were largely correct. The places with a high number of pre-election violence also recorded high numbers of election day violence.

 

The Centre also provided over 40 periodic briefs and advisories on the conflict dynamics in Nigeria to the FCDO. This helped development partners to understand the trends and emerging conflicts and contributed to the structuring of their program’s interventions.

 

The SDPS project had a robust sustainability plan beyond the funding phase.  The Centre for Democracy and Development built the institutional memory of its processes, approaches, and framework by working with organizations with the capacity to replicate the package of interventions after the life of the project (LOP) elapses. An example is the Usman Dan Fodio University Centre for Peace to implement its packages of interventions in Sokoto.

 

 

 

 

1. Deepening Democratic Governance

 

Building Civil Society Capacity on The Ratification, Popularisation and Implementation Of The African Charter On Democracy, Elections And Governance And The ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol On Democracy And Good Governance In Nine ECOWAS Member States

Donor: Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)

Duration:

Coverage: Cote d’ Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Niger

As part of the organization’s efforts towards deepening democracy in the region, this project was designed and implemented in 9 West African countries. The objective of the project was to popularize the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) and the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance - two documents that define the basis for the practice of democracy in West Africa and the rest of Africa. The project was implemented in Cote d’ Ivoire and Senegal to ratify the charter, and also popularize same in Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Niger. The project achieved the ratification of the charter in Cote d’ Ivoire. There was a strong assurance from the Senegalese government for the ratification of the charter. We continue to engage the Senegalese government to see that this is eventually done. The organization is at the moment engaging the Open Society Initiative for West Africa who supported the initiative for a continuation of the project. The project is concluded.

 

 

Perspectives on West Africa towards 2015

Donor: Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)

Duration: 2014-2015

Coverage: Nigeria, Niger, Guinea (Conakry), Mali, Cote d’ Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo.

This project was part of organization’s West Africa work in the areas of governance and the challenges that democracy continues to face. The project, which focuses on seven countries, sought to understudy the trends and dynamics that were shaping the landscape of the various countries. These countries include

 

A comprehensive report from a well thought out methodology emanated from all the countries. The reports formed the basis for a multi-stakeholder’s engagement in all the countries. The reports provide the basis for further engagements and advocacy on the issues that were prevalent in all the countries before and during the elections. In Burkina Faso, for instance, the launch of the report paved the way for the continuous civil society dialogue that led to the eventual formation of an interim government and subsequently elections and the return to democratic governance in the country. The project is concluded.

 

 

Key Drivers of Unconstitutional Changes of Government in West Africa

Donor: Social Science Research Council (SSRC)

Duration: 2013

Coverage: Nigeria

With the ever present of democratic reversals still hanging over the regions democratic governments this project was most timely. It was funded by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) through the African Peacebuilding Network (APN). The research project did a thorough analysis of the drivers of unconstitutional change in government in three studies commissioned by the Centre. The research brought to the fore a plethora of issues and how these can be curtailed so as to consolidate on the region’s democratic gains. The reports were launched and shared widely online and via other means by the organization. The project was successfully completed.

 

 

Promoting Democratic Accountability in Burkina Faso

Donor: Open Society Initiative (OSIWA)

Duration: 2016

Coverage: Burkina Faso

This project was conceptualized to promote peaceful and issue-based election, and improve citizen participation in electoral process in Burkina Faso. Three key activities were implemented during the project implementation. These include peace meeting with traditional rulers and party leaders, presidential debates, and radio programme. The project has been concluded and currently followed by support to the Présimètre initiative.

 

 

Deepening Democracy in Burkina Faso through Support to Accountability Campaign

Donor: Open Society Initiative (OSIWA)

Duration: 2016

Coverage: Burkina Faso

In continuation of CDD-West Africa’s work to deepen democracy in Burkina Faso, it conceptualized this project to support partners in the country to launch promise tracking initiative known as Présimètre. This is a civil society-led initiative that is tracking the implementation of election pledges of President Kabore in the lead up to the 2015 Presidential election. To support this project, CDD-West Africa is hosting weekly radio programme, convened technical workshop on promise tracking to discuss required capacity for effective implementation of the project and high-level meeting on constitutional reform in West Africa. Additionally, CDD-West Africa is supporting local partners to mobilize citizens’ opinion about six key constitutional thematic issues as the country is drafting an entirely new constitution. Citizens’ proposal – gathered through opinion poll – will be used to engage the Constitution Review Committee, headed by Mr. Halidou Ouedraogo.

 

 

Baseline Study of Parliamentary Strengthening in Nigeria

Donor:

Duration:

Coverage: Nigeria

CDD was supported by Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) to undertake a baseline study of National Institute of Legislative study (NILS) Female parliamentarians in Nigeria and the office of the clerk. The consultancy services included research, meetings, data analysis and report writing. The baseline was conducted from June to August 2012 and a report was sent to the WFD after the final validation. As a follow up WFD is seeking to support analysis and monitoring of budgets from a gender perspective through CDD/NGBN.

 

 

NPPDS: #Buharimeter

Donor: Open Society Initiative (OSIWA)

Duration: 2015-2018

Coverage: Nigeria

This project aims at holding President Muhammadu Buhari, and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to election pledges/promises made in the lead up to the 2015 general election. The project, launched June 1, 2015, built on the tracking engagement of NPPDS and transit to monitoring implementation of over 200 election promises made. The project has a dedicated website, www.buharimeter.ng, and has gained popularity in both international and domestic media space. It concluded in August 2017.

 

 

 

 

1. Elections and Political Participation

 

 

Promoting Peaceful Elections in Kaduna and Kano States

Donor:

Duration: 2015

Coverage: Nigeria

Kaduna and Kano states have often been among the most volatile states during elections. The events of 2011 clearly show this fact. To arrest the situation, the organization embarked on key initiatives to help curtail pre, during and post-election violence.

 

In Kaduna State, the, “We are Peace Kaduna” initiative was launched and implemented in which radio programme was an essential component. The project aimed at promoting violent-free elections. In few weeks leading to the elections, peace messages were collected from well-known people and influencers in the state, ranging from clergy men, politicians, transport workers, sportsmen etc., and transmitted in Hausa, English and Pidgin languages on Liberty Radio, Kaduna. The highlight of the program was the combined elections day broadcast which brought together journalist and experts who provided real time analysis of events as they unfolded across different local government areas in the state on Election Day.

 

The Kano State project promoted issues-based politics and violence free elections in Kano State by educating voters on how to make informed electoral choices ahead of the 2015 general elections. The project was very significant in light of the events that trailed the aftermath of the 2011 General Elections. Through Town Hall Meetings and a weekly radio programme, a set of carefully designed programmes on Non-Violence, Rigging, Issue-Based Politics etc., helped educate the Kano people in the lead up to the elections. The projects are concluded.

 

Election Observation

Donor:

Duration:

Coverage: Nigeria and Guinea Bissau

The organization continued her involvement in the observation of elections both locally and internationally. At the international level CDD staff formed part of the ECOWAS election observer team to Guinea Bissau. Locally the CDD team observed the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The organization also later deployed observers across several states in Nigeria during the 2015 general elections. During the period the organization innovated the “Analysis Centre” and continued to observe staggered elections in Nigeria.

 

 

Nigerian Political Parties Discussion Series (NPPDS)

Donor: Open Society Initiative (OSIWA)

Duration: 2014-2017

Coverage: Nigeria

The Nigerian Political Parties Discussion Series (NPPDS) was the highlight of the organisation’s activities during the 2015 general elections. The project supported by the International Republican Institute (IRI) Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) was in twofold. The first part of the engagement involved political parties and a scrutiny of internal party democracy. Three debates were organized by CDD to look at the issues of party financing, promotion of internal party democracy and the inclusion of women and youth in the activities of political parties. The open session part of the initiative gave room for the general public to engage the political parties directly.

 

The second phase of the NPPDS aimed at promoting issue-based campaign during the 2015 general elections at national level. Series of debates were convened between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) – the two major political parties, to inform Nigerians about their policy preferences to address development challenges confronting the country, if elected. The series focused on a host of issues from economy to security and gave the political the opportunity to state clearly to the Nigerian people their intentions and how they intend to better the livelihoods of the Nigerian people. The NPPDS was the most effective platform on which the Nigerian people had the opportunity to engage the political parties. The series were aired on television and streamed live on the internet. Videos of the debates were also uploaded to the CDD YouTube Channel. Other components of the project are still ongoing and will be concluded in February 2017

 

Study on State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs)

Donor: Open Society Initiative (OSIWA)

Duration: 2011

Coverage: Nigeria

Between 2011 and 2012, CDD commissioned research on the effectiveness of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in six states of the federation, cutting across the six geo-political zones (one state per zone). The study predicates on the long-standing challenge of conducting free, fair and credible elections into elected official in local government areas of the country. The research was timely completed and its report published.

 

 

Voter Education:

Donor: The Joint Donor Fund managed by UNDP

Duration:

Coverage:

Since 1999, CDD have been engaged in voter education in Nigeria. The Voter Education on Amendment of the Constitution Relating to the Elections in the North-Central, North-west and South-west geopolitical zones of the federal republic of Nigeria was to enlighten the citizens of the changes in the constitution as it affects elections in Nigeria ahead of the 2011 general elections. The project was implemented through dialogues, workshops and townhall meetings

 

 

Mandate Protection:

Donor: Open Society Initiative (OSIWA) and National Endowment for Democracy (NED)

Duration:

Coverage:

The Voter Education for Mandate Protection are geared at empowering men and women in Nigeria to protect their electoral mandate and make their votes count during and after elections. Through the exercise, capacity of citizens is enhanced, consciousness of people at the lowest level is raised and a network of voters, politicians and organizations are established. CDD with the support of OSIWA since 2003 to 2011 have held the exercise in Lagos, Ekiti, South-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West and South-West states, Kaduna and Plateau States and with support of NED in Kano state.

 

 

Strengthening the Independent Electoral Commission's Engagement with Media and Citizens to Support Credible Elections in Nigeria

Donor: Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)

Duration: 1 Years (2022 - 2023)

Coverage: North and South, Nigeria

The 2023 General Elections in Nigeria marked a pivotal moment in the country's democratic journey, carrying immense significance for the future of governance and citizen participation. In the midst of this critical electoral process, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), spearheaded several initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, civic engagement, and informed decision-making.

 

Among these initiatives, the series of Audio Public Service Announcements (PSAs) focusing on voter education, the deployment of observers, and capacity-building programs for electoral stakeholders played a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape.

 

The OSIWA Project Report encapsulates the essence of these initiatives, shedding light on their objectives, implementation strategies, and outcomes. Central to this report is the acknowledgment of the importance of informed citizenry and the pivotal role of electoral education in ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process. Through targeted radio programs, voter education campaigns, and strategic communication training, the project aimed to empower citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in the electoral process.

Specifically, the project delivered the following:

1. Marginalized groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities are better informed about the election process by INEC: The Centre developed series of youth, women and persons with disability-centred voter education plans, as well as materials that completed the efforts of the electoral commission to dissuade people from selling their votes. These voter education materials were disseminated online via CDD website and official communication and social media channels. The Centre also partnered with key media outlets such as the Arise TV and Channels TV to air jingles aimed at ensuring voter sensitisation. The Centre also ensured that there was a focus on marginalised groups in all knowledge products ahead of the 2023 general and all subsequent off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi (2023), Edo and Ondo (2024) states.
2. INEC’s improved understanding of fake news issues and ability to engage social media platforms to reduce mis/disinformation that undermines the credibility of the 2023 elections: CDD created fora that facilitated training and conversation on the challenges of fake news and disinformation in Nigeria’s election. Such training and conversation fora were organized just before the off-cycle elections that took place in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi (November 2023), and Edo states (September 2024) and will take place in Ondo (November 2024), as well as deployment of Soldiers of Mouth volunteers who collaborated with the Centre’s fact checkers to monitor, report and counter disinformation on election day.
3. Election Public Service Announcements: A series of radio programs and adverts, including ‘how winners emerge’ were designed and aired across various radio stations nationwide. These programs focused on the significance of voting, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the importance of informed decision-making, and the consequences of electoral apathy. They were aired during the presidential and governorship elections.

 

During these shows, experts, activists, and officials from electoral bodies were invited to provide insights and answer questions from listeners. Special radio programs were dedicated to educating citizens on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Information regarding the registration process, verification procedures, and the role of BVAS in ensuring the integrity of elections was disseminated.

 

Additionally, citizens were informed about the importance of verifying their registration details and reporting any discrepancies to the appropriate authorities. Simulated voting processes were conducted on-air to familiarize listeners with the actual voting process. Step-by-step explanations were provided, covering voter registration, accreditation, ballot casting, and result tabulation. Listeners were encouraged to participate actively by asking questions and sharing their experiences.

 

Interactive sessions were incorporated into each radio program to encourage listener participation. Listeners were invited to call in, send text messages, or engage through social media platforms to ask questions or share their opinions. This interactive approach facilitated two-way communication and enhanced audience engagement.

4. INEC Staff Strategic Communication Training: CDD collaborated closely with OSIWA and INEC to identify the training needs and design a comprehensive curriculum tailored to address the challenges faced by INEC staff in communicating electoral information effectively. Key stakeholders were consulted to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the training program. The execution phase involved the actual implementation of the training program in Lagos and Kano.

 

The training curriculum covered various aspects of strategic communication. First participants were provided with insights into the socio-political context of their respective regions to better tailor their communication strategies. Also, techniques for crafting clear, concise, and persuasive messages were imparted to participants, enabling them to convey electoral information more effectively. More so participants were trained on leveraging both traditional media channels (such as radio, television, and print) and digital platforms (including social media and websites) to reach diverse audiences.

 

An important aspect of the training process was the strategies for handling communication challenges and crisis situations. This equipped participants with the skills to manage potential controversies during the electoral process. Participants learned the importance of building relationships with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the media, to foster transparency and collaboration.

5. One-Day Symposium on Democracy: On 25 May 2022, OSIWA and CDD organized a one-day colloquium to discuss "Emerging Issues that will Shape the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria". The event was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders interested in ensuring the peaceful and credible conduct of elections in Nigeria. They included the current Chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), his immediate predecessor, representatives from leading civil society groups, political parties, security agencies, academia, and the media.

The keynote address by Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chair, kicked off the day of discussions and was followed by four enriching panel sessions that x-rayed diverse emerging challenges to the conduct of elections in Nigeria with solutions proffered. The first panel dealt with the perquisites for a successful general election in 2023. The second panel examined the emerging threats and challenges to a successful 2023 general election. The theme of the third panel was the pathways to electoral accountability in 2023, while the fourth panel was a summary of cardinal issues arising from the colloquium.

6. Project Report: Governorship Town Hall Meetings in Kano State: This component of the project focused on organizing Governorship Town Hall Meetings, providing a platform for governorship aspirants to engage with citizens and stakeholders, discussing their manifestoes, and addressing concerns pertinent to the development of the state.

 

CDD conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, media houses, and community leaders, to garner support and ensure broad participation in the town hall meetings. A transparent and inclusive process was adopted to select governorship aspirants representing diverse political parties and ideologies. Aspirants were invited to participate voluntarily, emphasizing the importance of democratic dialogue and citizen engagement. 

 

CDD coordinated with local authorities to secure suitable venues for the town hall meetings, ensuring accessibility and safety for attendees. Logistics such as audio-visual equipment, seating arrangements, and refreshments were organized to facilitate smooth proceedings. Extensive publicity campaigns were conducted through traditional and digital media channels, including radio broadcasts, newspaper advertisements, social media platforms, and community outreach programs.

 

Information about the town hall meetings, including dates, venues, and participating aspirants, was disseminated widely to encourage citizen participation. Experienced moderators were engaged to facilitate the town hall meetings, ensuring orderly conduct and meaningful dialogue. Ground rules were established to maintain decorum and encourage respectful interaction between aspirants and attendees. Comprehensive documentation of the town hall meetings was undertaken, including audio-visual recordings, and written summaries.

7. Technical Support Training on Media Understanding, Disinformation, and Fact-Checking: This component aimed to enhance media understanding, combat disinformation, and strengthen fact-checking capabilities among media professionals and stakeholders. The training program was meticulously designed and executed to address the evolving challenges of disinformation and misinformation in the media landscape. The Technical Support Training program was structured as a series of workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions. The training sessions were facilitated by seasoned experts in media literacy, fact-checking, and communication ethics. The curriculum encompassed various modules covering topics such as: Understanding Disinformation, Fact-Checking Methodologies, Ethical Journalism, Collaborative Approaches and Practical Exercises.

 

The training program adopted a participatory approach, encouraging active engagement and knowledge exchange among participants. Additionally, a dedicated online platform was established to facilitate ongoing discussions, resource sharing, and peer support beyond the physical training sessions.

 

8. Observing the 2023 Presidential Elections in Nigeria: In 2023, CDD assembled a team of observers, data clerks, and experts in its Election Analysis Centre to meticulously monitor and analyse various aspects of the election. CDD initiated a comprehensive recruitment process to select competent and impartial individuals to serve as observers and data clerks. This involved advertising positions, conducting interviews, and assessing candidates' qualifications and experience in election monitoring. Selected candidates underwent rigorous training sessions to familiarize them with election observation protocols, data collection techniques, and relevant legal frameworks.

 

The Election Analysis Centre served as the nerve centre of the project, facilitating real-time monitoring, analysis, and reporting. It was equipped with advanced technology, including communication systems, data management software, and analytical tools. The centre housed a team of experts with diverse backgrounds in politics, law, journalism, gender and data analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the electoral dynamics.

 

CDD deployed 4,997 trained observers across different regions of Nigeria to monitor polling stations, electoral processes, and voter turnout. Observers adhered to strict guidelines and codes of conduct, maintaining neutrality and objectivity in their observations. They documented any irregularities or incidents and reported them promptly to the Election Analysis Centre for analysis and action.

 

Data clerks stationed at the centre, received information from polling stations on a wide range of data, including voter turnout, ballot distribution, and incidences of violence or intimidation. This data was transmitted in real-time to the Election Analysis Centre, where experts analysed it to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas of concern. Advanced statistical techniques were employed to ensure accuracy and reliability in the analysis.

 

CDD also partnered with Daily Trust to build the election war room which served as a hub to check information disorder and report on fake news. Finally, OSIWA funds supported the hosting of the CDD-Arise Town Halls where candidates for president were invited to debate ahead of the elections.

 

9. Observing the 2023 Presidential Elections in Nigeria: In 2023, CDD assembled a team of observers, data clerks, and experts in its Election Analysis Centre to meticulously monitor and analyse various aspects of the election. CDD initiated a comprehensive recruitment process to select competent and impartial individuals to serve as observers and data clerks. This involved advertising positions, conducting interviews, and assessing candidates' qualifications and experience in election monitoring. Selected candidates underwent rigorous training sessions to familiarize them with election observation protocols, data collection techniques, and relevant legal frameworks.

 

The Election Analysis Centre served as the nerve centre of the project, facilitating real-time monitoring, analysis, and reporting. It was equipped with advanced technology, including communication systems, data management software, and analytical tools. The centre housed a team of experts with diverse backgrounds in politics, law, journalism, gender and data analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the electoral dynamics.

 

CDD deployed 4,997 trained observers across different regions of Nigeria to monitor polling stations, electoral processes, and voter turnout. Observers adhered to strict guidelines and codes of conduct, maintaining neutrality and objectivity in their observations. They documented any irregularities or incidents and reported them promptly to the Election Analysis Centre for analysis and action.

 

Data clerks stationed at the centre, received information from polling stations on a wide range of data, including voter turnout, ballot distribution, and incidences of violence or intimidation. This data was transmitted in real-time to the Election Analysis Centre, where experts analysed it to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas of concern. Advanced statistical techniques were employed to ensure accuracy and reliability in the analysis.

 

CDD also partnered with Daily Trust to build the election war room which served as a hub to check information disorder and report on fake news. Finally, OSIWA funds supported in the hosting of the CDD-Arise Town Halls where candidates for president were invited to debate ahead of the elections.

 

10. Observation of Off-Cycle Elections in Edo and Ondo States (2024): In continuation of the OSIWA partnership, the project was extended and thus, enabling the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) to replicate the exact observation strategy, methodology and process in the Off-Cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States. These elections will see a stronger focus on zoning focus and analysis, to enable our findings and recommendations provide the depth and nuance that we are known for.

 

 

 

1. Transitional Justice & Rule of Law

Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in Northwest Nigeria Project.

Donor: European Union (EU)

Duration: 2 Years (2023 - Present)

Coverage: North-West Nigeria.

Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in North-West Nigeria Project is an ongoing transitional justice program in the northwest region of Nigeria funded by the European Union. The project seeks to strengthen peacebuilding processes, support the implementation of political and community responses to violence. The project will deliver:

1. Community peace dialogues that will provide citizens with a space to facilitate inclusive and participatory approaches to inter and intra-communal conflicts.
2. Develop early warning mechanisms for local communities experiencing conflict
3. Strategic engagements with government officials and agencies.
4. Research on conflict dynamics and the best form of transitional justice program for the northwest region
5. Implement localized and contextualized peace messaging.

The project has begun its pilot phase in Jibia, Kankara, Batsari and Dan Musa local government areas in Katsina state. The Centre for Democracy and Development is implementing the project with MercyCorps and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

 

Transitional Justice Project

Donor: Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS)

Duration: 1+ Year (2022 - 2023)

Coverage: West African States (Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Burkina-Faso)

In March 2020, CDD commenced the implementation of ECOWAS Transitional Justice project to promote an evidence-based and coordinated response of state and non-state actors in West Africa to dealing with past atrocities and human rights violation through the development and implementation of transitional justice framework. On the project, CDD undertook a needs assessment and scoping study of existing transitional justice mechanism in member states and conducted regional consultations. We partnered with OHCHR to organise public outreach and awareness programmes on the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations in Liberia, developed policy brief on reviving Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC), and commenced country-level engagement in the Gambia. We also organised a 2-day regional meeting with media on transitional justice interventions in West Africa.

The project was conceptualized to develop an Economic Commission for West Africa (ECOWAS) Transitional Justice Handbook (ETJH). It was also aimed at strengthening the capacity of member states and civil society in addressing issues of transitional justice.  

 

Development of ECOWAS Transitional Justice Policy Framework (TJPF)

Donor: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Duration:

Coverage:

In 2020, CDD facilitated a series of country-level virtual consultations with state and non-state actors in Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Liberia on the ongoing development of the ECOWAS Transitional Justice Policy Framework/handbook for Member States. The country consultations discussed state experiences of Transitional Justice and the implementation of indigenous mechanisms, emerging challenges confronting TJ processes in the region with a view to preferring recommendations to strengthen TJ mechanisms in the region. CDD also facilitated a 2-day regional level consultative meeting with the Media on the state, needs, challenges, and expectations of the media in developing the transitional Justice Policy Framework for the  region, this further increased understanding and discussion of Transitional Justice discussion in the media and public pace by the media experts and stakeholders and leading to the publication of some of these articles:

https://humangle.ng/unravelling-the-place-of-journalists-in-west-africas-transitional-justice-processes/

https://humangle.ng/more-media-partnerships-needed-to-facilitate-transitional-justice-in-west-africa/

 

 

1. Information Disorder

West Africa Regional Combating Misinformation and Disinformation

Donor: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)

Duration:

Coverage: Nigeria, Gambia, Mali, Guinea, Niger

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED) commenced a project to counter political misinformation and disinformation to promote peaceful and democratic elections and government accountability in Burkina Faso, the Gambia, and Nigeria. Currently in Burkina Faso and the Gambia, we are also running a radio program called Le Mandat and the Mandate Show to critically analyse the information ecosystem, the political context, and educate citizens. We have dedicated Fact-checking platforms in the three countries.

The Gambia: Since the exit of Yahya Jameh, CDD commenced work in the Gambia. Our partners are the Tango, Umbrella Body of the NGOS and the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD). Currently, we run two programs, one on Misinformation and Disinformation. And the second on Transitional Justice. In partnership with the CRPD, CDD engaged citizens on the TRRC process through research, training and media advocacy. Our support to CRPD, includes facilitating citizens participation in the TRRC process using the media (Radio, TV, and Social Media).

Mali and Guinea: In Mali, the Centre also led the West Africa Civil Society movement calling on the ECOWAS to prioritize its intervention in Mali and refocus on governance, human rights, and peace and security. Following the political tension and the coup d’etat in Mali, the Centre published a report Mali’s 2020 Coup