The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has announced the appointment of Professor Victor Adetula as Chair of its Election Analysis Centre (EAC).
The CDD-West Africa said that the unveiling of Prof Adetula as Chair of the CDD-EAC signaled its deep commitment to strengthening electoral analysis, data-driven advocacy, and long-term oversight.
Professor Adetula, a widely respected scholar of democratic governance, brought decades of expertise to the role, as he is expected to lead efforts to monitor and interpret electoral trends as Nigeria prepares for 2027.
The announcement followed the release of its latest observer report on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise that was recently concluded in Anambra State.
The event is coming at a time Nigeria’s democracy is facing yet another test arising from the recent by-elections held in nearly 7,000 polling units across 12 states.
A statement by Dr Dauda Garuba, Director with CDD, stated that the exercise exposed both progress and recurring challenges, including voter apathy, vote buying, recurring technical failures and violence associated with inadequate deployment of security personnel.
It stated that the Anambra CVR Report offered insight into the mix-performance of the voter registration process, highlighting improvements in operations, but also pointed serious gaps in outreach and logistics.
Garuba noted that the findings underscore the need for deeper electoral reform and more strategic coordination across institutions.
CDD therefore called on stakeholders and citizens to take collective action to improve transparency, reduce inducement, prevent violence, inspire and rebuild trust in the Nigerian electoral process.
While acknowledging the fact that the challenges are enormous, CDD said that it believes that with coordinated efforts, they are not insurmountable, adding that it would continue to work with stakeholders to promote reforms, provide rigorous analysis, and uphold democratic accountability in Nigeria and across West Africa.
In his remarks, the new Chair of CDD-West Africa Election Analysis Centre, Abuja, Professor Victor Adetula, said that his appointment which coincided with the release of CDD’s latest observer report on the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in Anambra State, further reflected the Centre’s devoted commitment to rigorous, data-driven electoral analysis and to strengthening participatory democracy throughout Nigeria and West Africa.
Adetula said; “I humbly accept this role, fully aware of the weighty responsibilities it entails. Over the years, the CDD-Election Analysis Centre has distinguished itself as an impartial and insightful institution, supporting stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens as they navigate the intricacies of our electoral systems. This occasion signifies not only a personal milestone but also the beginning of a new chapter for the CDD-EAC”.
The new chair assured that the CDD-EAC team will continue to deepen its analytical expertise, embrace emerging technologies, and prioritise sustained oversight within the electoral landscape, stressing that as the team look towards 2027, their priorities must expand beyond the conventional aspects of election monitoring.
In his words; “We are committed to deepening our focus on transparent, evidence-based electoral analysis, while also addressing the economic and political factors that threaten the integrity of our electoral processes.
“We intend to broaden our collaborations by leveraging the knowledge of scholars, civil society actors, and the wider public. Our commitment includes nurturing the next generation of electoral analysts, equipping them with the necessary tools and frameworks to proactively address challenges and propose effective solutions.
“Above all, we remain vigilant—monitoring electoral trends to better understand the present and help shape a credible future for all Nigerians.
“The guiding vision of CDD-West Africa—a democratic West Africa that is safe, peaceful, and prosperous—along with its mission to serve as the leading catalyst for strategic analysis, capacity building, and advocacy for democracy and development, deeply inspires me.
“These principles are founded on the belief that democracy flourishes when citizens are informed, inclusion is prioritized, and accountability is steadfastly maintained. I am committed to building upon this legacy, ensuring that our efforts at EAC exemplify integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to democratic progress.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to my predecessor, Professor Adele Jinadu, whose exemplary service has paved the way for our continued success. On behalf of the entire CDD-EAC team, I extend special thanks to Professor Jinadu for his guidance.
“Drawing from Isaac Newton’s words, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” and echoing Bernard of Chartres’ sentiment, we recognize that our vantage point is elevated by those who came before us.
“I also extend my gratitude to the media, our partners, fellow civil society organisations, and all stakeholders. Let us collectively reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections,” he entused.
