2023 polls: CDD pledges to remain neutral, independent, impartial

Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), yesterday, pledged to remain neutral, independent and impartial ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Its Director, Idayat Hassan, gave the assurance in a statement in Abuja.

Her words: “The CDD is issuing this statement in response to false accusations made in a recently disseminated article concerning our work on the coming elections.

“In the article, the author of the piece unfairly twisted the CDD’s position on pending elections to some vacant seats at the Senate and House of Representatives by falsely asserting that the CDD was making excuses for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This statement has become necessary to ensure that the public is reassured about the independence, neutrality and impartiality of the CDD in the coming elections.”
Hassan said their duty is to serve as the ultimate catalyst in the transformation of West African into an integrated, economically vibrant and democratically governed community that assures holistic security to the population and is capable of permanent peaceful conflict management.

She added: “To support this, over the years, CDD has strengthened the capacity of different stakeholders, including government agencies and parastatals and has also been very active in activities that will improve democracy and ensure lasting peace.”

“CDD is confident about the impact and effectiveness of its long-standing efforts to promote democratic and accountable governance.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisation was established to promote values of democracy, peace and human rights in Africa, particularly in the sub-region.