Are you 18–28 years old and passionate about politics, technology, or social justice?Do you want to shape the future of elections and democracy in Nigeria?Are you a resident in Abuja or Lagos? Yiaga Africa is designing something big, and we want your voice at the table.Join a 2-Hour Discussion with other bold and creative Gen...

In this week’s edition of The Ballot, INEC has launched an online portal for political party registration as the number of applicants now stands at 129. Meanwhile, the commission has fixed August 16 for a by-election in Niger’s Munya Constituency, and in Osun, preparations are in full swing for both the 2026 gubernatorial election and the...

Get detailed stories and more updates on this week’s edition of The Ballot, where, we track the major political developments across Nigeria: INEC Issues New Guidelines for Reviewing Election Results: The Commission published supplementary regulations clarifying the process and timelines for reviewing contested election results, as applications for new political party registration climbed to 122....

Yiaga Africa welcomes INEC’s issuance of Guidelines for reviewing election results but raises concerns about their restrictive scope. The current Guidelines allow only INEC officials to file reports, excluding political parties, observers, and agents, all who are key stakeholders in safeguarding electoral integrity. We call on INEC to amend the Guidelines to broaden the scope...

This week’s edition of The Ballot spotlights major developments shaping Nigeria’s political and electoral landscape. From a landmark civic training programme for young women leaders in Lagos to legal action challenging the structure of local elections, the political space continues to evolve in dynamic ways. We also take a look at the ongoing debate around the Rivers...

As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 general elections, the pressing question remains: are we building a stronger democracy, or simply reinforcing old patterns under new rhetoric? In this edition of The Ballot, we explore the widening gap between electoral reforms promised at the top and the demands echoing from civil society, youth groups, and local governance actors. President...

Are you a tech innovator, digital solution provider, or civic tech enthusiast committed to combating disinformation and amplifying citizen voices—especially those of women—in democratic processes? The Digital Democracy Exhibition is now open for applications from individuals, startups, and organizations in Lagos, Nigeria developing technological tools and innovations that enhance civic engagement, counter disinformation, and promote...

As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, we are compelled to ask: How far have we truly come, and how much further do we need to go? While this milestone deserves celebration, it also demands reflection. In this issue of The Ballot, we bring you stories that capture the duality of Nigeria’s democratic...

Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule is a significant milestone, especially when you consider the democratic backsliding and military interventions rising within the continent. It is a testament to the resilience and commitment of Nigerians to democratic governance, even in the face of numerous challenges. From the return to civilian rule in 1999 to...

The spotlight this week fell on electoral reform as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, endorsed the Early Voting Bill—an initiative aimed at allowing military personnel and other essential workers, including INEC officials and journalists, to vote ahead of Election Day. With support from Yiaga Africa and other advocates of electoral inclusivity, the...