The European Union Delegation to
Nigeria and ECOWAS has visited the Election Result Analysis Dashboard (ERAD)
Centre in Ado-Ekiti, reaffirming the European Union's longstanding support for
democratic governance, civic innovation and citizen participation in Nigeria
through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria
(EU-SDGN) programme.
The ERAD Centre is a Yiaga Africa
initiative established in 2022 and currently funded under the European Union
Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme. The platform
uses technology to analyse election results that are publicly released by the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), contributing to research,
public understanding and evidence-based conversations around electoral
processes.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of
the Governance, Peace, and Migration Section at the European Union Delegation
to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Reuben Alba Aguilera, said the European Union's support
for the initiative reflects its broader partnership with Nigeria in
strengthening democratic governance through locally led institutions and civil
society organisations.
"The European Union is proud to
support Nigerian organisations that are developing innovative approaches to
civic engagement and democratic governance. Through the EU-SDGN programme, we
work with a wide range of Nigerian partners to strengthen democratic
institutions, encourage informed citizen participation and promote greater
public understanding of democratic processes."
Aguilera noted that initiatives such as
the ERAD Centre demonstrate how technology can be used to improve access to
information that is already in the public domain.
"The Election Result Analysis
Dashboard is an example of how publicly available information can be organised
and analysed to support research, public awareness and informed discussion. It
is an innovation developed by a Nigerian organisation, and we are pleased that
the EU-SDGN programme is supporting its continued development."
He emphasised that Nigeria's elections
are conducted and administered by Nigerian institutions.
"The organisation and conduct of
elections are the responsibility of Nigeria's constitutional institutions. Our
role is to support programmes that strengthen democratic governance, foster
civic participation and encourage the exchange of knowledge and good practices
through partnerships with Nigerian stakeholders."
Established by Yiaga Africa, the ERAD
Centre analyses polling unit-level election results released by INEC after
elections. By applying data analytics to publicly available information, the
platform provides insights that support electoral research, civic education and
public understanding of election outcomes.
The Centre is one of several
initiatives supported under the EU-SDGN programme, the European Union's
flagship democratic governance programme in Nigeria. Through partnerships with
Nigerian institutions and civil society organisations, the programme promotes
inclusive participation, strengthens democratic governance and supports civic
engagement.
The visit formed part of the European
Union Delegation's broader engagement with partners during the Ekiti State
governorship election, highlighting the value of collaboration, innovation and
locally driven solutions in advancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
