The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has distanced itself from a group led by one Ibrahim Yakubu, which falsely claimed to represent the organisation in a recent publication.
The group was referenced in an article published on March 24, 2025, by Daily Post titled “Zamfara: Gov Lawal Under Fire Over Alleged Anti-Democratic Actions Against Assembly Members.” The report attributed statements to Yakubu’s group, suggesting it was affiliated with CDD-West Africa.
In a press statement signed by the Director of CDD-West Africa, Dr. Dauda Garuba, on Wednesday, the organisation categorically denied any connection with Yakubu or his group.
It described the claims as misleading and warned against misrepresentation of its identity.
The organisation further stated that the impersonation undermines public trust and misrepresents its mission.
It added that necessary regulatory steps were being considered to address the issue while engaging with relevant authorities to protect its institutional identity.
The statement in parts, “As a respected think tank, we categorically state that this group is in no way affiliated with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa). Our organisation, with its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, is a non-partisan think tank with a longstanding commitment to rigorous research, evidence-based advocacy, and the promotion of democratic governance and development across West Africa.
“We do not know, recognise, or have any connection with Ibrahim Yakubu or the group claiming to speak on behalf of CDD-West Africa in the referenced article,” Garuba stated.
CDD-West Africa urged media outlets and the public to verify statements attributed to the organisation, emphasizing that its official communications are issued only through verified platforms and bear the signature of its leadership or authorised spokespersons.
The organisation also warned against giving legitimacy to the group’s claims and reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance and development across West Africa.
For further inquiries, CDD-West Africa directed the public to contact its Abuja office or visit its official website at www.cddwestafrica.org.
