Insights on Ondo 2024 and More

Welcome to the Newly Revamped?Democracy Digest

It is our pleasure to introduce the newly redesigned?Democracy Digest, the official newsletter of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). This new format is crafted to provide a more refined and comprehensive approach to delivering timely and insightful analysis on the critical issues affecting democracy, governance, and development across Nigeria, West Africa, and globally.

In this edition, we explore topics of considerable importance, including Nigeria’s growing food insecurity, the intersection of ethnic diversity and political divisions, and the increasing influence of China in Africa, particularly through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Additionally, we assess President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle and its wider implications for governance and accountability.

At CDD, we remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting sustainable development, and advancing good governance practices. As part of this effort,?Democracy Digest?will now be published on a fortnightly basis, providing our readers with regular, in-depth analysis of the key issues shaping our region and the world. We trust that this enhanced format will better serve our readers and stakeholders as a key resource in understanding the ongoing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of democracy and development. We appreciate your continued engagement as we work together towards the realization of a more democratic and just society.

Publications

Necessary Revamp or Overblown Redundancies – Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle: Aluko Ahmad critiques President Tinubu's recent cabinet reshuffle, highlighting concerns over accountability, transparency, and the continued bloating of Nigeria's largest cabinet.

The Hidden Costs of Nigeria’s Growing Hunger Crisis: Titilayo Olaniyan explores Nigeria's escalating hunger crisis, driven by rising food prices, poverty, and conflict, and its impact on social stability and security.

Mining Natural Resources is Fuelling Human Rights Violations in West Africa: Gachomo Pam-Hworo discusses how West Africa's climate-induced resource conflicts, driven by environmental degradation and illegal mining, are being addressed through democratic governance and community advocacy to foster development.

Burdened from Birth: How Societal Norms Steal Girls’ Futures: Valeria Ogide highlights the challenges girls face globally and in Nigeria, calling for greater efforts to ensure access to education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities.

The Politics of Hate Speech in Nigerian Elections: Chioma Iruke explores how ethnic diversity fuels political divisions in Nigeria, stressing the need for a clear definition of hate speech to balance free expression and national unity.

Much Ado about FOCAC: Gbemisola Adebowale highlights China's growing influence in Africa, as seen at FOCAC, with $51 billion pledged, but raises concerns about democratic values, debt sustainability, and power dynamics.

Spotlight

In Solidarity - CDD's Response to the Maiduguri Flood Crisis?

In the spirit of solidarity and support, CDD recently visited the Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Umar Kadafur, in response to the devastating floods in Maiduguri. Led by Prof. Hauwa Biu and our Director, Dauda Garba, our team expressed empathy and offered crucial relief resources to those affected.

We proudly contributed to the state government's flood relief fund and extended support to 120 community members with food supplies and cash assistance, aimed at helping them rebuild their lives during these challenging times.

In line with our commitment to empowering communities, CDD also sponsors a professional Master’s program in Transitional Justice at the Centre for Peace, Diplomatic and Development Studies (CPDS), University of Maiduguri, to foster long-term resilience and development.

Forecast

Elections in the Region

Our upcoming work will look at the upcoming elections in Ondo State (Governorship - 16 November), Senegal (Parliamentary - 17 November) and Ghana (Presidential - 7 December).?

CDD will be deploying observers to Ondo to monitor the fifth off-cycle governorship election in Nigeria. As Nigerians begin looking at the 2027 general elections, control of the influential cadre of governors will be key in determining the future of the country’s political landscape. CDD has also engaged with different stakeholders, such as security and election management structures, to advocate for peaceful polls. Our Election Analysis Centre will be situated in Akure for the Ondo elections and our team will be monitoring Senegal’s polls in real time.?

In these elections we will be looking out for trends that have shaped recent polls in West Africa. These include information disorder, identity, institutional support, intra-party divisions and insecurity. These factors played major roles, to varying degrees, in recent elections. Reports on Senegal’s democracy, Ghana’s political landscape and Nigeria’s governorship will be released before the end of the year.?

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge:?Democracy Digest?Quiz!

Think you're up to date on the latest insights from this issue of?Democracy Digest? Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz! From the Ondo 2024 elections to key developments in governance and disinformation, challenge yourself to see how much you've learned. It's a fun way to stay engaged and see how well you know the latest in democracy and development. Ready to dive in? Let’s see what you’ve got!

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