Off-circle polls referendum on Tinubu govt — CDD

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has said that this Saturday’s governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states are a referendum on the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The Director, CDD, Idayat Hassan, said this on Wednesday in a statement, where she also said that disinformation by political actors is a major threat […]

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has said that this Saturday’s governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states are a referendum on the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Director, CDD, Idayat Hassan, said this on Wednesday in a statement, where she also said that disinformation by political actors is a major threat to participation in the elections, apart from identity politics, zonal consideration, violence and lack of inclusion which continue to influence the electoral landscape in the country.

Also, in a detailed 25-page report titled ‘Off-Cycle Elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi: An Early Referendum’, CDD noted that the November 11 poll holds a pivotal place in the country’s democratic process.

“The outcomes of these contests will significantly impact the political fortunes of the parties involved and lay the foundation for the upcoming general elections in 2027,” Hassan said.

She said given the fact that the elections will be held approximately 120 days into the tenure of the Tinubu administration, they present a unique challenge for both the ruling party, and the opposition, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

She said, “During field assessment visits, several election stakeholders expressed concerns about the role that political parties were playing in the information space around the elections. Most parties use influencers and youth mobilisers to spread disinformation campaigns about opposing parties and candidates.”

Hassan also said Saturday’s elections will play a major role in shaping how younger Nigerians interact and embrace politics in the future, apart from an increased awareness at the gender imbalance among nominees for governor in these states and increased scrutiny in the run-up to the elections.