Elections and Political Participation

22 February 2023

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 organisation 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 the few weeks leading to the elections, peace messages were collected from well-known people and influencers in the state, ranging from clergymen, 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 organisation 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 organisation also later deployed observers across several states in Nigeria during the 2015 general elections. During the period the organisation 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 twofold. The first part of the engagement involved political parties and a scrutiny of internal party democracy. Three debates were organised 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 campaigns 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 party 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 officials 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 has 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 town hall 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, the capacity of citizens is enhanced, the consciousness of people at the lowest level is raised and a network of voters, politicians and organisations 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 Year (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:

Marginalised 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.
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 organised 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.
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 familiarise 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.

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 organisations, and the media, to foster transparency and collaboration.

One-Day Symposium on Democracy: On 25 May 2022, OSIWA and CDD organised 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 organising 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 organisations, 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, emphasising 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 organised 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.

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.

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 familiarise 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.

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 to provide the depth and nuance that we are known for.