Yiaga Africa

Applications are now open! Join the Ready to Run network - empowering young Nigerians with the skills, strategies, and networks to lead. Supported by the @EU_SDGN Programme #readytorun #democracyinaction #yiagaafrica

Looking at the results, one thing is clear: the work members of our GenZ Democratic Innovation Lab did is already adding up. Young Nigerians are no longer just "leaders of tomorrow." They are the influencers of today’s policy. Thanks to our partners @UKinNigeria #democracyinaction #nigeriadecides2027 #GenZ #CivicEngagement #YiagaAfrica

“I want to vote so that I have the right to complain when things go wrong.” At the Yiaga Africa Gen Z Democratic Innovation Lab, we didn't just talk theory. We talked about the frustration of underperforming leaders, the cost of transportation, the "recycled" nature of our politics and more Thanks to our partners @UKinNigeria #democracyinaction #nigeriadecides2027 #GenZ #CivicEngagement #YiagaAfrica

Looking for a one-stop shop for everything democracy and governance? We’ve got you covered with the latest updates from Nigeria and across the continent, delivered straight to your phone. Don’t just stay in the loop; bring your whole squad with you! What’s better than being informed? Making sure your entire network is too. 👉 Join the channel here: shorturl.at/fUdMV Subscribe, share, and invite your tribe. We’ll see you on the inside!

One of the preconditions for credible elections is an independent and neutral electoral commission. Once citizens and political actors begin to doubt the neutrality of the umpire and its leadership, the legitimacy of future elections is endangered. As data from our National Voting Intentions Survey (I) indicate there is fragile trust in INEC nvis.yiaga.org Nigeria cannot afford to go into the 2027 elections with a crisis of confidence in INEC. The cost will be too tough our democracy. For this reason, Nigerians deserve a full, and transparent explanation as to whether or not the INEC Chairman is in any way associated with the X account reported to have made partisan comments in Nigeria’s last general election cycle. Too many questions remain unanswered, and unless these concerns are addressed decisively, public trust in the electoral process may suffer even greater damage.

If a country starts budgeting for election arguments before the election even happens, should we be concerned or impressed by the level of preparation? This week on The Ballot, opposition parties are protesting, coalitions are forming, money is being set aside for court cases, and Nigerians are left asking, is this democracy moving forward or just moving in circles? Add Osun’s election tensions and questions about trust in the system, and it starts to feel like everyone is writing an exam where nobody has seen the marking scheme. So tell us, are you preparing for elections or preparing for what comes after elections? Full edition here 👉 bit.ly/Series3Issues13

Nigeria’s next generation of leaders aren't coming—they’re already here. Among us. Silently looking. Quietly strategising. Waiting for the right moment! ​ From local council to National Assembly, #ReadyToRun is equipping a new crop of leaders and helping to turn the tide. You can be a recipient of guides, training, and the network you need to contest and WIN in 2027. ​Don't wait any longer. Start here: readytorun.ng/get-involved 🚀 ​#ReadyToRun #NotTooYoungToRun #YiagaAfrica

Do you recognise some of the groups members or actors from this #Art4Democracy group? Tag them, leave comments for them. You can also watch the 3 minutes film on YouTube. Supported by @OpenSociety, @OpenSocietyAfr #yiagaafrica #democracyinaction #civicaction

Our second spotlight from the #Art4Democracy project, 'When the Mirror Talks Back' forces us to confront the idea that leaders are drawn from citizens therefore our leaders are a reflection of our state as a people. It is a call to citizens to rise up and act better! Supported by @OpenSociety, @OpenSocietyAfr #yiagaafrica #democracyinaction #civicaction

We have a new edition of our Gen Z blog series. Nigeria calls it voter apathy, but what if the real story is something deeper, more uncomfortable? In this edition, the writer examines how voter turnout dropped to 27% in 2023, yet 77% of Nigerians still say they intend to vote in 2027. The question is no longer whether young people care, but why that willingness never translates into participation. When elections feel unsafe, when leadership is shaped by money and godfatherism, and when citizens are heard during campaigns but ignored in governance, disengagement stops looking like apathy, and starts looking like a system failure. Read the full article here: shorturl.at/ZTgVZ

The Nigerian political landscape has changed, no doubt! The appetite for youth leadership could be dampening. We have two choices before us: 1) Fold. Be sucked into the play. Make no efforts to change. Or... 2) Restrategise. Review the facts. Develop a plan. Find an in-road #ReadytoRun is here to help with option two. We know pain points. We understand the facts. We are ready to help you chart your political game plan. Don't be left out. Join the movement! Supported by the #EuropeanUnion under the @EU_SDGN programme. #yiagaafrica #democracyinaction

Happy Easter to all Christians. May the power of the risen Christ and of the gospel flood your hearts and bring healing, wholeness

Voter Revalidation: Good policy, Dangerous timing It is a known and publicly acceptable fact that Nigeria’s voter register is in dire need of urgent clean-up to remove errors, multiple registrants, and dead persons. The much talked about INEC revalidation exercise is definitely a great approach to clean the register. However, the timing of the exercise is deeply problematic. As of this moment the framework, scope, procedures, and implications are unknown to the public. A voter revalidation exercise has serious political and electoral consequences, so timing and transparency is absolutely critical. This is a case of a good policy implemented at a wrong time. The 2027 electoral cycle has the most compressed timelines for electoral activities, and it is clear the system is overstretched. Continuous Voter Registration is still ongoing, political party primaries are set to begin in a matter of weeks, and delays in the release of funding to INEC have already placed enormous pressure on the commission's preparations. Introducing a nationwide revalidation exercise now risks overwhelming the system, confusing voters, and potentially suppressing participation, especially among those who may not understand the process or miss the revalidation deadline. I urge INEC to proceed with caution and reconsider the timing. The most appropriate time for revalidation is immediately after a general election, when there is more time for proper planning, consultation, public sensitization, and implementation without undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Samson Itodo 1st April 2026 #NigeriaDecides2027 #WatchingTheVote

April may have started like a joke, but this week’s politics isn’t funny. INEC is planning to clean up the voter register, are you even on it? The Senate is shifting, parties are struggling internally, and some are already talking about 2027 like it’s a done deal. So you have to ask, are Nigerians preparing to vote, or just preparing to watch? INEC says voter revalidation is coming, what is your voting status? Read this issue here lnkd.in/eZ8umt5T

The "Confessions from Elections" project seeks to lay bare the experiences surrounding Nigeria's polls while affirming that true power still lies with the people and with the actions we choose to take or not take. Supported by @OpenSociety, @OpenSocietyAfr #democracyinaction

Often we go from one election cycle to another, hardly ever acknowledging our experiences in a way that allows us draw lessons and make adjustments for the greater good. Supported by @OpenSociety, @OpenSocietyAfr #art4democracy #democracyinaction #yiagaafrica

The journey to creating a democratic and developed Africa requires many hands working. This is why it is always a joy to support other civic actors especially young and disruptive groups who are willing to take a different approach. With support from @OpenSociety, the 2025 Art4Democracy cohort delivered 5 projects that helped advance democracy in Nigeria. Stay tuned as we spotlight these interventions. Let us know your most preferred intervention and why! #YiagaAfrica #art4democracy #democracyinaction

Elections are around the corner and yes, you will exercise your civic right again, but this time let it not be “I just voted because everybody was voting” let it be from a place of information, knowledge, and clear understanding, from how voting works, to the laws that guide it, to how your vote actually counts. Election 101 in 5 is back to give you everything you need to be election-ready in just five minutes on Channels Television every week day at 7:55 pm and Sundays at 8:55 pm. Supported under the @EU_SDGN II Programme. #yiagaafrica #democracyinaction #nigeriadecides2027

Our Executive Director @DSamsonItodo visited our longstanding partner, @NDI in Washington DC to discuss upcoming initiatives geared towards advancing democracy and elections in Africa. He met with the @ndielections team led by NDI Director of Elections, Richard Klein and Julia Brothers, Deputy Director of Elections. #WatchingTheVote

Nigeria 2027 seems to be shaping up to be full of drama! The Labour Party has zoned its presidential ticket to the South, APC North Central delegates are backing Tinubu, Atiku warns of shrinking democracy, and INEC is tightening the rules for parties and campaigns. Meanwhile, election observers are asking, “Can we even be safe doing our job?” So tell us, Balloteers, do you trust your party to play fair? Should zoning decide your choice or leave it open for all? And when INEC says “follow the rules,” does it make you feel safer or more skeptical? Drop your thoughts. You can download and read the full edition here for context 👉 bit.ly/47t0IOT

The Coordinator of the Yiaga Africa Center for Legislative Engagement, Dr Samuel Oguche joined other experts and practitioners this week in Nairobi for a regional workshop on electoral dispute resolution hosted by @EISAfrica He delivered a paper on AI, Transparency and Public Confidence in Electoral Dispute Governance; Risks of Algorithmic Amplification; The Role of Civic Actors. #AIinAfricanElections