In this edition of The Ballot, we bring you crucial updates from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the release of polling and collation agent lists for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election. We also spotlight SERAP’s call for INEC to investigate alleged bribery cases from the 2023 general elections, potentially reshaping accountability in...
On Sunday, September 15, the Orisun Art Gallery in Abuja transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and conversation as Yiaga Africa hosted the #Art4Democracy exhibition. This event brought together civil society leaders, activists, young creatives, and art enthusiasts to celebrate Democracy Day and reflect on the state of Nigeria’s governance through the eyes of...
In furtherance of its efforts to enhance civic participation, Yiaga Africa, with support from the Open Society Foundation, has officially launched the People’s Assembly in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The People’s Assembly is an initiative aimed at promoting civic participation and fostering dialogue between citizens, groups, and local government executives....
This week in Issue 19 of The Ballot, we explore the critical question of electoral integrity as Yiaga Africa reveals significant irregularities in the September 2024 Edo State Governorship Election, declaring that it fails the integrity test. We also feature insights from former President Goodluck Jonathan, who emphasizes that technology alone cannot address Nigeria’s electoral...
Protocol Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, Election Stakeholders, and Fellow Nigerians. Introduction It is my honor to welcome you all to this significant occasion—the public presentation of the Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms. Today, we stand at a crucial juncture in our country’s democratic journey, a moment when we must collectively reassess and reimagine...
Yiaga Africa has comprehensively assessed the September 2024 Edo State Governorship Election using its Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology. Our 325 observers monitored polling units across all 18 LGAs, identifying critical issues that compromised the integrity of the election. While some processes, such as voting and counting, showed substantial compliance, serious irregularities...
We, the undersigned accredited civil society organizations observing the 2024 Edo governorship elections, express concern over the transparency of the collation of the election results. Reports of disruptions at ward and local government collation centers in Ikpobba/Okha, Etsako West, Egor and Oredo LGAs, including intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate results contrary to...
IntroductionOn Saturday, September 21, 2024, Yiaga Africa deployed the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology to observe the Edo State governorship election. This involved 300 stationary and 25 roving observers, covering a representative sample of polling units across all 18 LGAs. The PRVT enables Yiaga Africa to independently assess the quality of election...
On 21st September 2024, Yiaga Africa deployed it’s Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology across Edo State to ensure a credible election process. With 300 stationary observers and 25 roving observers, we’ve covered a representative sample of polling units across all 18 LGAs. Despite peaceful beginnings, logistical delays and reports of voter intimidation,...
In this week’s edition of The Ballot, we explore the critical developments shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. From INEC’s decision to retain Edo’s REC amidst political pressure, to the deployment of security personnel ahead of the Edo governorship election, we unpack the key issues that could define the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Will electoral integrity hold,...
