As Nigeria’s Edo State prepares for Saturday’s gubernatorial election, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has deployed 70 observers to monitor the process.
Key Findings:
- Heightened Political Tension: Intra- and inter-party rivalries
- Disinformation: Spread of false information to gain partisan advantage
- Gendered Disinformation: Targeting women in politics with misogynistic remarks
- Election Significance: Bellwether state, testing ground for 2027 general elections
CDD-West Africa’s pre-election statement highlights concerns over:
The election pits three main candidates:
- Information Manipulation: Undermining rival opponents and institutions
- Zoning and Ethnicity: Influencing voting patterns
- Federal Might: Allegations of government interference
- Asue Ighodalo (PDP)
- Monday Okpebholo (APC)
- Olumide Akpata (Labour Party)
CDD-West Africa urges:
- Impartial Institutions: INEC and security agencies to ensure free, fair process
- Fact-Checking Collaboration: Countering disinformation
- Voter Education: Challenging patriarchal norms, empowering women in politics
The organization calls on citizens to participate peacefully and political actors to avoid divisive rhetoric.
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