On March 24, 2025, a news article went viral across social media. The most viral, posted by The Daily Post, is titled “Zamfara: Gov Lawal under fire over alleged anti-democratic actions against Assembly members”
In a similar post by Pulse Nigeria, the news article was titled “ A pro-democracy coalition, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), has accused Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal of anti-democratic actions, lawlessness, and economic sabotage.”
Claim: CDD accused the Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, of anti-democratic actions, lawlessness and economic sabotage
Verification:
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), with head office in Abuja, under the leadership of Dr. Dauda Garuba, has dissociated itself from the circulating news article accusing Dauda Lawal of Zamfara of anti-democratic actions, lawlessness and economic sabotage.
We can confirm that CDD-West Africa has released a press statement dissociating from the group falsely claiming its identity. The press statement signed by the Centre’s Director reads, “We unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the comments and claims made by the impostor group and caution against giving them any legitimacy.”
The CDD fact-checking team also found that the viral news articles were published following a press briefing granted by one Ibrahim Yakubu in Abuja. Investigation showed that the CDD-West Africa team has no International Governing Council (IGC), fellow or staff member bearing the name “Ibrahim Yakubu.”
Moreso, the press statement issued by the CDD-West Africa highlighted that “Official CDD-West Africa communications are issued exclusively through our verified platforms and bear the signature of our leadership or authorised spokespersons.”
Verdict: Misleading
The CDD fact-checking team found that a group of persons, allegedly under the platform of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), led by one Ibrahim Yakubu, conducted a press briefing in Abuja on March 24, 2025. However, these individuals are not affiliated with the highly reputable Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa ).
We can confirm that the CDD West-Africa has released a press statement to dissociate itself from the press briefing and every news article accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State of anti democratic actions, lawlessness and economic sabotage.