CDD-West Africa Dissociates from Group Falsely Claiming Its Identity
Press Statement
24th March 2025
(Abuja, Nigeria) The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has become aware of a publication titled “Zamfara: Gov Lawal Under Fire Over Alleged Anti-Democratic Actions Against Assembly Members,” published on March 24, 2025, by Daily Post. This false story has been reposted across multiple news and blog platforms, including New Telegraph, Pulse Nigeria and Legit.ng, further amplifying misinformation and misleading the public. The article attributes statements to a group led by one Ibrahim Yakubu, who claims to represent the Centre for Democracy and Development.
While we fully respect the right of individuals and groups to freedom of speech and association, as a respected think tank, we categorically state that this group is in no way affiliated with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa). Our organisation, with its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, is a non-partisan think tank with a longstanding commitment to rigorous research, evidence-based advocacy, and the promotion of democratic governance and development across West Africa. The Centre for Democracy and Development is currently led by Dr. Dauda Garuba. We do not know, recognise, or have any connection with Ibrahim Yakubu or the group claiming to speak on behalf of CDD-West Africa in the referenced article.
In a press statement issued on March 20, 2025, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) firmly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an extreme measure that undermines democratic processes. It is, therefore, inconsistent and entirely false to suggest that the same organization would now support a state of emergency in Zamfara State. CDD-West Africa remains committed to principled, democratic governance and rejects any attempts to misrepresent its stance.
This impersonation is misleading and unacceptable as it misrepresents our mission and undermines public trust. We are considering legal and regulatory steps to address this issue while we engage with relevant authorities to protect our institutional identity. We also urge media outlets and the public to verify the authenticity of any statements attributed to the Centre for Democracy and Development. Official CDD-West Africa communications are issued exclusively through our verified platforms and bear the signature of our leadership or authorised spokespersons.
We unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the comments and claims made by the impostor group and therefore caution against giving them any legitimacy.
For inquiries or verification, please contact our Abuja office or visit our official website at www.cddwestafrica.org.
Signed,
Dauda Garuba, PhD.
Director,
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa)