By Abbas Jimoh
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has appointed Prof. Victor Adebola Olubunmi Adetula as the new Chairman of its Election Analysis Centre (EAC).
The CDD Director, Dr. Dauda Garuba, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja, during the formal unveiling of Prof. Adetula and the presentation of CDD’s Anambra Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Observers’ Report of the exercise that was recently concluded in the state.
According to him, Prof. Adetula, the new CDD-EAC Chair succeeded Prof. Liasu Adele Jinadu, now 82 years, served in the position for 14 years before stepping down.
Dr. Garuba said that the event marks a significant milestone in the centre’s efforts to advance electoral integrity and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes as well as signaled its deep commitment to strengthening electoral analysis, data-driven advocacy, and long-term oversight.
Prof. 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.
He said that the CDD-West Africa indicated interest to extend the work of its EAC to beyond election observation to include governance monitoring and that already, so much thinking has gone into what should constitute the direction that the expansion would take.
He said, “Among the new insights is the issue of drilling down on the CDD Mandate Protection work set for test-run during the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in November this year and subsequently in Ekiti and Osun states in 2026.
“It is expected that lessons learned from these will be deployed fully in the 2027 general elections. Thus, as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, CDD-West Africa continues to reflect on the state of our democracy through the lens of recent developments, particularly the recently held 2025 by-elections, ongoing continuous voter registration exercises to climax in the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election.”
He also said tat the CDD’s 23-page latest report on the CVR in Anambra State shows encouraging signs of expanded access, but also recurring challenges.
He said that in conflict-prone areas, limited outreach and logistical setbacks persisted, reflecting broader systemic gaps across the country; while nationwide, the issue of over five million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is a silent ‘crisis.’
He warned that if unresolved, millions of citizens risk exclusion from the 2027 elections, a development that could erode both participation and legitimacy.
The recommendations included safeguarding the credibility of the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election, future by-elections, and the 2027 general polls, through the INEC improving its technological infrastructure, logistics, and voter outreach strategies.
Dr. Garuba said, “Security agencies must deploy personnel with neutrality and professionalism, resisting pressure from incumbents. Political actors must commit to issue-based campaigns and reject vote buying and weaponized violence. Civil society should sustain monitoring efforts, amplify citizen voices, and demand accountability.
“Citizens must resist inducement and reclaim the power of their votes. PVC Collection must be given a coordinated national campaign, decentralized collection points, deliberate grassroots outreach, and targeted voter education. The stakes ahead of 2027 are not just about whether democracy will survive; they are about the kind of democracy Nigerians will inherit.”
In his acceptance remarks, the new Chair of CDD-West Africa Election Analysis Centre, Prof. Victor Adetula, said 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.
“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,” Adetula said.
He 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.
“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,” Adetula said.
Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, a Senior Fellow at CDD-West Africa; Ms Ene Obi, a pro-democracy and human rights activist and Prof. Adele Jinadu, who was outside the country and spoke virtually; in their separate remarks urged Nigerians not to relent in their quest and determination to make Nigeria a better place democratically and to entrench good governance for national development and wellbeing of the citizenry.
