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Tag: Yiaga Africa

  • Northwest record highest interest to vote in 2027 election – Yiaga Africa

    Northwest record highest interest to vote in 2027 election – Yiaga Africa

    A report by Yiaga Africa has shown that voters in North-West are more likely to come out en masse in 2027 to cast their vote despite widespread insecurity in the region.

    The region is followed by the North-East in the report released by the civil society organisation.

     Yiaga Africa disclosed this in Abuja during the presentation of the first round of its National Voting Intentions Survey titled “Who Will Vote?.”

    According to the report, 67 per cent of respondents in the North-West and 45 per cent in the North-East expressed willingness to vote in 2027, while the South-South and South-East recorded the lowest levels of enthusiasm at 29 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

    Presenting the findings, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, noted that the regions with the strongest intention to vote also reported high levels of concern over security threats and possible electoral violence, which could hinder participation.

    Itodo said the survey was conducted to assess voter interest, confidence in the electoral process and barriers to participation ahead of the polls.

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    He said the survey was carried out between December 1 and 5, 2025, using telephone interviews with 1,500 respondents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a 95 per cent confidence level.

    The report showed that 77 per cent of Nigerians indicated they were likely to vote in 2027, but 42 per cent cited fear of violence as the major reason discouraging participation.

    While 76 per cent of respondents believed their votes could influence election outcomes, only 45 per cent expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct credible elections.

    Yiaga Africa recommended improved election security, credible party primaries and enhanced INEC logistics to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2027 general election.

    National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, expressed concern over declining voter turnout, noting that only about 27 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 presidential election.

  • Northwest recorded highest interest to vote in 2027 election – Yiaga Africa

    Northwest recorded highest interest to vote in 2027 election – Yiaga Africa

    A report by Yiaga Africa has shown that voters in the North-west are more likely to come out en masse in 2027 to cast their vote despite widespread insecurity in the region.

    The region is followed by the North-west in the report released by the civil society organisation.

    Yiaga Africa disclosed this in Abuja during the presentation of the first round of its National Voting Intentions Survey titled “Who Will Vote?”

    According to the report, 67 per cent of respondents in the North-West and 45 per cent in the North-East expressed willingness to vote in 2027, while the South-South and South-East recorded the lowest levels of enthusiasm at 29 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

    Presenting the findings, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, noted that the regions with the strongest intention to vote also reported high levels of concern over security threats and possible electoral violence, which could hinder participation.

    Itodo said the survey was conducted to assess voter interest, confidence in the electoral process, and barriers to participation ahead of the polls.

    He said the survey was carried out between December 1 and 5, 2025, using telephone interviews with 1,500 respondents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a 95 percent confidence level.

    The report showed that 77 per cent of Nigerians indicated they were likely to vote in 2027, but 42 per cent cited fear of violence as the major reason discouraging participation.

    It further revealed that security concerns, quality of candidates, and economic conditions were the leading factors influencing voting decisions, suggesting a growing preference for candidates over political parties.

    While 76 per cent of respondents believed their votes could influence election outcomes, only 45 per cent expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct credible elections.

    Yiaga Africa recommended improved election security, credible party primaries, and enhanced INEC logistics to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2027 general election.

    In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, expressed concern over declining voter turnout.

    Dantalle noted that only about 27 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 presidential election.

    He said sustained efforts were required to rebuild trust in the electoral system and encourage wider citizen participation.

  • YIAGA: Accountability should be the watchword

    YIAGA: Accountability should be the watchword

    Yiaga Africa, a group of change – makers promoting democracy and good governance has urged the citizens and residents of Ogun State to demand accountability, responsive governance and quality representation from their elected leaders.

    YIAGA said democracy goes beyond electing people into elective leadership positions during every general or bye – elections, stressing that it also includes constantly monitoring and demanding that those given the mandate to lead should give account of their stewardship always.

    Yiaga Africa Senior Program Officer, Antonia Onda, stated this in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the weekend during the People’s Assembly and civic engagement forum which the body organised for stakeholders of Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

    At the forum which provided an opportunity for the constituents to deliberate on issues that matter to them, Onda charged them to hold their representatives accountable at all time and demand visible and life – changing project implementations in their various communities.

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    She described the Town Hall Meeting as gathering of People with their legislators or representatives mostly without processes of follow ups on deliberations with the legislators.Onda emphasised that People’s Assembly  differs from Town Hall Meeting.

    Speaking at the programme, the federal lawmaker representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Ibrahim Isiaka, said meeting had helped to deepen the  understanding of democracy among his constituents.

    Isiaka who represented by Mr. Abiodun Adeleye, expressed readiness to embrace change that would further improve on his impactful representation of the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

    “People’s Assembly is not new to us. Some inputs, changes they are trying to introduce— we will take, look at, embrace and inculcate into the system where we effect our information for the needs of assessment for our Federal Constituency.

    “We always talk to our people, requesting their needs, and with that we carry out the final decision on projects to do and implement,” Hon. Isiaka said.

    In attendance at the People’s Assembly forum were representatives of groups from the constituency, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, trade association leaders, Community Development Committee leaders, transport unions, people living with disability, representatives of Ogun State Assembly members of the constituencies, students, artisans and  National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN).

  • ‘Efficiency, integrity, impartiality tests will shape electoral credibility’

    ‘Efficiency, integrity, impartiality tests will shape electoral credibility’

    Yiaga Africa has identified logistics efficiency, procedural integrity, and the impartiality of security agencies as the three key factors that will determine the credibility of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

    Chair of the Yiaga Africa 2025 Anambra Election Mission, Dr Asmau Maikudi, stated this yesterday in Awka at a pre-election media briefing.

    She said the three tests would serve as a litmus test for public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political actors.

    “Failure to meet these standards could further erode voter trust and deepen the legitimacy crisis in Nigeria’s democracy,” Maikudi warned.

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    She urged all stakeholders to commit to peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections, adding that Yiaga Africa would expose any manipulation of results that did not reflect votes recorded at polling stations.

    Executive Director Samson Itodo said 687 observers from Yiaga and partner organisations would be deployed under the Election Observation Hub, which includes The Kukah Centre, IPC, CEMESO, NWTF, ElectHER, and TAF Africa.

    He urged INEC to ensure uniform use of the BVAS for accreditation, strengthen logistics oversight, and hold transport companies accountable.

    Yiaga also called on security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism, cautioning against intimidation of voters, political actors, or observers.

    “Security operations must be intelligence-led and impartial to guarantee voter confidence,” the group said.

  • Yiaga Africa, IPC push for early voting in electoral reforms

    Yiaga Africa, IPC push for early voting in electoral reforms

    Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre (IPC) have urged the National Assembly to include provisions for early voting in the ongoing electoral reform process.

    Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that about two million eligible voters, including journalists, election observers, security personnel, and INEC staff, were unable to vote during the 2023 general elections due to the nature of their work.

    Speaking at a Consultative Roundtable with media stakeholders on the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reform, convened by IPC in partnership with Yiaga Africa and the European Union under the EU-SDGNII programme, Mbamalu stressed the need to amend the Electoral Act to allow early voting.

    She noted that many Nigerians on essential duties have been disenfranchised for years, a trend also observed in other parts of the world, and urged stakeholders to ensure their voting rights are protected in future elections.

    She said, “We have never had early voting in Nigeria. This is essential for those who work during elections. It would enhance transparency, inclusivity, and rebuild citizens’ trust in the process.”

    Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, called on the media to play a vital role in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Reforms at the National Assembly.

    Arogundade said that it had become pertinent to review the proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He said, “Distinguished colleagues, notwithstanding the considerable efforts invested in advancing the citizens’ memo, we have now reached a pivotal juncture where media support is both essential and highly valued.

    “As the National Assembly reconvenes, it will be reviewing several proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility for enactment within the statutory period required for amendments to take effect before the 2027 general elections.

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    “Historical precedent, such as the 12-year campaign for Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, demonstrates that meaningful reform is often achieved when the media actively champions the cause.

    “Throughout this advocacy effort, the media played a significant role by serialising the bill’s content, publishing editorials, columns, news reports, features, analytical pieces, vox pops, and conducting interviews.

    “Additionally, media organisations and professional bodies contributed to public hearings through formal presentations.

    “The significant influence exerted by the media contributed to the passage and enactment of the FOI bill under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

    “Additionally, it should be noted that the electoral reforms previously mentioned were also achieved with media support, reflecting a pattern observed in other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, and several Eastern European nations, where the media serve as key catalysts for legislative and policy advancements.

    On his part, a senior lecturer at Paul University, Akwa, Anambra State, Dr Tony Oyima, added that diaspora voting must also be prioritised.

    Onyima, a former managing director of The SUN newspaper, said, “Nigerians abroad remit millions of dollars to the economy, yet they cannot vote. Early voting would address this injustice.”

  • Yiaga Africa calls for electoral reforms

    Yiaga Africa calls for electoral reforms

    An observer group, Yiaga Africa yesterday said that the counatry must go beyond conducting “relatively peaceful” polls to build processes that inspire public trust and confidence in the electoral system.

    In an interview, the group’s Programme Director, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that while the elections were largely peaceful, some constituencies witnessed disruptions by political thugs.

    “Overall, it was a relatively peaceful process except for some constituencies where thugs tried to disrupt voting. We need to move beyond just having a relatively peaceful process to one that inspires trust in the system.

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    “One major challenge we are experiencing is result management. INEC’s guidelines provide for electronic collation, but the challenge is how this is applied,” she explained.

    Mbamalu further argued that decisions relating to over voting and ballot cancellations create confusion and undermine the credibility of the process. She stressed that the real issue is compliance with electoral guidelines rather than simply ensuring peaceful voting.

    According to her, political parties must take responsibility for undermining elections through desperation and disregard for due process.

  • Yiaga Africa seeks inclusion of young people in governance, democratic processes

    Yiaga Africa seeks inclusion of young people in governance, democratic processes

    Yiaga Africa has called for the inclusion of young people in governance and democratic processes across the continent.

    Speaking in Abuja during the 10th Community Organising Institute (2025) for young leaders in Nigeria and West Africa, Programs Director, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said Africa’s demographic reality demanded youth-centred leadership.

    She noted that Nigeria’s median age is 18, with many West African nations recording similar figures.

    Mbamalu stated, “We cannot have any conversation on democracy and governance without youth at the centre.

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    “The three-day training, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy, brought together 30 participants from across West Africa. They were selected from over 700 applicants, all aged 30 and under.

    “The initiative targets young leaders already active in their communities, whether in politics, education, or grassroots organising.

    “It aims to build their capacity to drive change, demand accountability, and mobilise local resources,”

    Mbamalu said the programme focuses on values-based leadership, community engagement, and practical advocacy skills.

    “After the workshop, participants are expected to design and implement initiatives in their home communities.”

    A delegate from Sierra Leone, Almamy Dura Koroma, described the training as “a wonderful opportunity” to inspire youth to take ownership of development.

  • Yiaga to NASS: Complete work on electoral reform

    Yiaga to NASS: Complete work on electoral reform

    Yiaga Africa has called on the National Assembly to conclude work on ongoing electoral reform before the legislative arm of government.

    The organisation said that the timely conclusion of the reform process was key ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo said this during a roundtable and presentation of a report on the state of electoral integrity in Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

    He said: “Timely conclusion of the reform process. The NASS did set a timeline and they have failed to fulfil this deadline.

    “This current state of our electoral process is very fragile because the actors have failed to take various steps to strengthen it.”

    Itodo said that the 2027 general election may face serious disruptions due to worsening poverty, escalating insecurity, and fake news among others.

    He said the economic hardship across the country could lead to increased vote-buying, particularly through the exchange of food for votes.

    “The 2027 election might be the most monetised election because of poverty,” Itodo said.

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    He added: “The hunger in the land is making citizens vulnerable to manipulation.”

    The report highlights that rather than driving higher voter participation, the economic crisis could be weaponised by political actors to influence outcomes.

    Itodo also pointed to a sharp decline in public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which began after the 2023 elections and has continued through recent polls in states like Kogi and Edo.

    “Trust in the electoral process has plummeted. Citizens no longer believe in the fairness of the system,” he said.

    According to him, another major concern is insecurity across different geopolitical zones, with armed violence, kidnappings, and unrest threatening voter turnout and the safe conduct of polls.

    “Insecurity affects candidates, voters, and the electoral commission’s ability to operate effectively,” Itodo, who presented the report, said.

    He also warned of the erosion of political competition, saying Nigeria was gradually drifting towards a one-party state through intimidation, abuse of power, and the weakening of opposition parties.

    “There’s an increasing effort to eliminate competition in the electoral space,” Itodo added.

    The report flagged artificial intelligence and social media as emerging threats, particularly the potential spread of false information through deepfakes or AI-generated content.

    “If AI is used to impersonate INEC officials or release fake election results, it could cause serious unrest,” Itodo warned.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun assured that the reform process would soon be completed.

    He said the committee was on the verge of completing its assignment.

    Balogun applauded Yiaga Africa for its consistent advocacy and detailed research.

    “This report is a call to action,” Balogun said. “We must strengthen electoral trust to secure the future of our democracy.”

    He added: “We are trying to round off the process. We have called all the committees to submit their reports before it goes into first and second reading.”

  • NASS should prioritise electoral reform, not compulsory voting, says Yiaga Africa

    NASS should prioritise electoral reform, not compulsory voting, says Yiaga Africa

    Civil society organisation, Yiaga Africa has asked the National Assembly to prioritise issues of electoral reforms that will rebuild public trust, improve election integrity, and remove structural and systemic barriers to participation.

    In a statement by its executive director, Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa said the federal lawmakers should ensure a transparent, non-partisan and merit-based process for appointing INEC commissioners to protect INEC’s independence.

    Itodo who was reacting to the decision by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen to withdraw the compulsory voting bill said the reform should include mandatory electronic transmission of election results to improve transparency.

    In addition, he called for the introduction of early voting for election officials, journalists, security personnel and accredited observers, legal timelines for concluding election petitions before the swearing-in of elected officials and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission.

    He said Yiaga Africa remains committed to engaging with the National Assembly to ensure the passage of electoral amendments that protect citizens’ rights and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

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    The statement reads in part, “Yiaga Africa commends the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, for his decision to withdraw the proposed compulsory voting bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians and imposing sanctions of N100,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment.

    “The withdrawal of the bill demonstrates responsive legislative leadership and respect for the will of the people.

    “We acknowledge that the bill was introduced with the intention of reversing Nigeria’s historically low voter turnout. However, as we previously noted, making voting a legal obligation punishable by sanctions would have amounted to criminalising a constitutionally guaranteed right and undermining the very foundations of our democracy.

    “We reiterate our earlier call on the National Assembly to prioritise electoral reforms that rebuild public trust, improve election integrity, and remove structural and systemic barriers to participation.”

  • Yiaga Africa launches not too young to run hub in Yola varsity

    Yiaga Africa launches not too young to run hub in Yola varsity

    A youth-focused civic engagement organisation, Yiaga Africa, has launched a Not Too Young to Run Hub at the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola.

    The hub is tasked to mobilise students and other young people around the university and the host community to participate in active politics and improve the system.

    Officials of Yiaga Africa who inaugurated the hub as part of activities funded by Open Society Foundation, delivered lectures on the objectives of the hub, after which some of the students were picked to lead the hub.

    The Media Officer of Yiaga Africa, Solomon Yakubu who gave the introductive speech, said the organisation seeks to improve youth participation in governance.

    “What we are here to establish in this university is a nonpartisan body that will act to improve participation in democracy. We want to ensure that citizens deliver their roles in efforts to make democracy work,” Solomon Yakubu said.

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    Delivering one of the papers for the establishment of the Not Too Young to Run Hub, a program officer of Yiaga Africa, Mr Olaniyan Sanusi, explained, “We use schools as platforms for the hub because it is easier to reach youths in schools. Our program is for the young, in or outside the school environment.”

    He challenged youths to use their energies to effectively participate in politics, stressing, “You dominate the entertainment scene: Music, acting, sports. Why not get into politics and deploy that energy to change things?”

    The Senior Program Officer of Yiaga Africa, Anthonia Onda, delivering a paper on Principles of Transformative Leadership, similarly advised youths: “Don’t say no youth has got this office before. Seek to be the effective first.”

    Senior Program Officer of Yiaga Africa, Anthonia Onda fielding questions from newsmen during the event in MAU, Yola