Prior to the general elections in 2023, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) vowed to maintain its neutrality, independence, and impartiality.
The guarantee was provided in a statement issued in Abuja by CDD Director Idayat Hassan.
“The CDD is issuing this statement in response to false accusations made in a recently disseminated article concerning our work in the coming elections.
“In the article, the author of the piece unfairly twisted the CDD’s position on pending elections to some vacant seats at the Senate and House of Representatives by falsely asserting that the CDD was making excuses for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This statement has become necessary to ensure that the public is reassured about the independence, neutrality and impartiality of the CDD in the coming elections,” she said.
Their responsibility, according to Hassan, is to act as the final catalyst in the transformation of the West African subcontinent into an integrated, economically vibrant, and democratically governed community that ensures the population’s overall security and is capable of managing conflicts in a peaceful manner on an ongoing basis.
“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,” she said.
The group was founded to further the ideals of democracy, peace, and human rights throughout Africa, with a focus on the West African subcontinent.
