‘We are neutral’ – CDD clarifies comment on pending n’assembly bye-elections

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) says it did not take the side of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on pending bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the national assembly.

An article had suggested that CDD made a case for INEC over its failure to conduct the polls.

“No doubt the forthcoming 2023 elections have preoccupied the attention of INEC,” the article reads in part.

In a statement on Tuesday, Idayat Hassan, CDD’s director, described the comment attributed to her organisation as an “unfortunate misrepresentation”.

Hassan said the CDD is neutral and would not take the side of any party involved in the electoral process.

“Our work remains to serve as the ultimate catalyst in the transformation of the West African sub-continent into an integrated, economically vibrant and democratically governed community that assures holistic security to the population and is capable of permanent peaceful conflict management,” she said.

“To support this, over the years, CDD has strengthened the capacity of different stakeholders, including government agencies and parastatal and has also been very active in activities that will improve democracy and ensure lasting peace.

“CDD is confident about the impact and effectiveness of its long-standing efforts to promote democratic and accountable governance. Its knowledge production on key issues have been leveraged to make vast improvements in Nigerian elections.

“The centre has been vocal in offering criticism of electoral processes when merited, as it did in the 2019 general and off-cycle elections, as well as even stressing the need for INEC to remain vigilant after the recent 2022 Ekiti and Osun off-cycle elections.

“CDD statements on the elections speak to the realities of the process and consistently stress ways that election processes can be improved.”

Hassan added that her organisation is committed to enhancing democratic values in the country.