Isiyaku Ahmed
The League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State has withdrawn from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors’ election scheduled for 6 August 2026, citing alleged manipulation, violations of OGP governance standards, and breaches of national operational guidelines.
The group described the election as lacking credibility and designed to undermine the independence of civil society, and called on the National OGP Secretariat, development partners, and the public to reject and not recognize its outcome.
The statement read;
The League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State hereby officially dissociates itself from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors’ election scheduled for Thursday, 6 August 2026.
Following a thorough review of the processes leading to the election, the League has uncovered an alarming pattern of calculated subversion, systemic manipulation, and blatant breaches of the OGP Articles of Governance, Participation and Co-Creation Standards, as well as established national operational guidelines.
What has been presented as an election is, in our view, a heavily compromised process designed to capture civil society space, transform independent watchdogs into state appendages, and undermine the foundational principles of transparency, accountability, equity, and multi-stakeholder collaboration upon which the OGP framework is built.
Accordingly, we consider this process fundamentally flawed, devoid of credibility, and entirely unacceptable.
We therefore call on the National OGP Secretariat, international development partners, and the people of Kano State to disregard this election and withhold recognition from any outcome arising from it.
Violations of OGP Guidelines and Governance Standards
The irregularities surrounding the election represent a fundamental departure from the principles governing leadership selection and institutional representation under the OGP framework.
- Severe Conflict of Interest and Proxy State Capture (Violation of Inclusive Self-Governance and Non-State Actor Autonomy)
The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Disease and Social Vices (YOSPIS), an organization founded and institutionally led by Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, has been cleared to contest for the position of Thematic Lead – Access to Information.
Dr. Magashi currently serves as an appointee of the Kano State Government, including as Co-Chair of the Kano State Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force and Chairman of the Committee established by the Kano State Government to develop the Kano 2027 Campaign Blueprint (Blueprint 2.0).
Although Dr. Magashi may not personally contest the election, permitting YOSPIS to seek a leadership position constitutes, in our view, a clear case of proxy state capture of civil society space.
Under the OGP framework, leadership of the non-state actor constituency requires inclusive self-governance and institutional independence from government influence.
Allowing an organization directly associated with a senior executive appointee and political strategist to occupy a leadership position reserved for independent civil society creates an inherent conflict of interest and risks reducing civil society oversight to state self-monitoring.
- Compromised Electoral Administration (Breach of Independent Selection Committee Standards)
The Electoral Committee established to conduct the election is chaired by Abdulrazaq Alkali, the outgoing CSO Co-Chair of the OGP Steering Committee.
National and international OGP governance standards require electoral and selection processes to be administered by a neutral, independent, ad hoc committee that is free from competing interests and outgoing office holders.
An outgoing leader whose tenure is ending should not preside over the process for selecting his or her successor.
Doing so creates a perception of administrative bias and undermines public confidence in the credibility and impartiality of the election.
- Violation of Democratic Rotation and Term Limits
Two outgoing members of the OGP CSO Steering Committee, Haruna Ayagi and Abdulrahman Abdu, who have already served two consecutive terms, have been cleared to contest for another term.
This, in our view, violates the principle of democratic rotation and the term-limit provisions intended to prevent institutional capture, promote leadership renewal, and encourage broader participation within the steering structure.
- Failure to Enforce Statutory Legal Compliance (Breach of Institutional Eligibility Requirements)
Independent searches of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) database indicate that several organizations cleared to participate in the election may not satisfy the minimum legal requirements for eligibility.
According to our findings:
Human Right Network (HRN) and Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN) do not appear to be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Advocacy for Human Right and Equal Opportunity, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Initiative, Youth Empowerment and Human Rights Development Initiative (YEHDI), and Community Development Initiative reportedly have an Inactive status for failing to file statutory annual returns.
Kano Young Women Development Initiative could not be located through publicly available CAC records.
Under the OGP institutional framework, participation in governance and steering structures requires demonstrable legal existence and institutional capacity.
Active CAC registration and compliance with statutory filing obligations are fundamental indicators of legal status and organizational accountability.
Permitting unregistered or legally inactive organizations to contest leadership positions undermines the integrity of the vetting process and raises serious concerns regarding institutional credibility.
- Lack of Transparency in the Screening Process
The Electoral Committee did not publish the criteria used to screen and clear candidates.
Furthermore, there is no publicly verifiable evidence that the successful organizations were assessed for statutory tax compliance through valid Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) or compliance with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) requirements.
Under accepted governance standards, organizations participating in formal government engagement are expected to demonstrate compliance with applicable statutory obligations, including tax requirements and anti-money laundering regulations.
As Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), many NGOs are required to obtain SCUML certification in accordance with relevant anti-money laundering laws.
The absence of transparency regarding these screening requirements raises significant questions about the integrity, fairness, and consistency of the electoral process.
Implications of the alleged irregularities for Kano State, the National OGP Secretariat, and the International community
The alleged systemic subversion of the Kano State Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors’ election extends beyond a routine administrative dispute.
In our view, it presents a significant institutional challenge with potentially far-reaching consequences for Kano State, the National OGP Secretariat, and Nigeria’s standing within the global OGP community.
Where governance procedures intended to safeguard transparency, accountability, and institutional independence are perceived to have been compromised, confidence in the integrity of the OGP process may be undermined, with implications for public trust, stakeholder engagement, and international credibility.
- Potential Reputational Impact on Kano State’s Transparency and Reform Agenda
In recent years, Kano State has made notable efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation through its engagement with the Open Government Partnership.
These efforts have contributed to projecting the State as one committed to governance reforms, fiscal openness, and participatory decision-making.
However, where organizations perceived to have direct affiliations with serving government officials are allowed to contest leadership positions reserved for independent civil society actors, questions inevitably arise regarding the autonomy and credibility of the non-state actor constituency.
The participation of entities alleged to have close institutional links with serving government officials may create the perception that the independence of civil society oversight has been compromised.
Such perceptions, whether justified or not, have the potential to weaken public confidence in the integrity of the OGP process and diminish the credibility of the State’s reform agenda.
International governance assessments and transparency initiatives increasingly evaluate not only the existence of institutional frameworks but also the independence and effectiveness of civic participation mechanisms.
Consequently, any perception of undue state influence over civil society leadership may adversely affect Kano State’s reputation as a credible participant in the global open government movement.
The League therefore believes that preserving the independence of civil society institutions is essential to protecting the long-term credibility of Kano State’s transparency commitments.
- Institutional Implications for the National OGP Secretariat
The Open Government Partnership is founded upon the principles of co-creation, mutual accountability, and equal partnership between government and civil society.
These principles are reflected in the OGP Articles of Governance and are intended to ensure that both constituencies participate independently and in good faith.
Where electoral processes are perceived to permit the re-election of individuals beyond prescribed term limits or the participation of organizations whose legal status or regulatory compliance is disputed, concerns may arise regarding adherence to established governance standards.
If such concerns remain unresolved, they may affect confidence in the consistency of governance practices across sub-national OGP platforms and expose the National OGP Secretariat to questions regarding oversight, compliance, and institutional quality assurance.
The League is concerned that any appearance of inconsistency in the application of governance standards may weaken confidence in the broader OGP framework and diminish the credibility of future sub-national processes.
For this reason, we respectfully urge the National OGP Secretariat to review the concerns raised, assess the integrity of the electoral process, and ensure that all future elections fully comply with applicable governance standards and operational guidelines.
- Implications for International Development Partners and Nigeria’s Global Standing
The Open Government Partnership enjoys the support of numerous international development partners, donor agencies, and multilateral institutions that invest substantial financial and technical resources in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
These partnerships are founded upon confidence that participating governments and civil society organizations operate within clear legal, fiduciary, and governance frameworks.
Where questions arise concerning organizational eligibility, regulatory compliance, or the transparency of electoral processes, development partners may reasonably seek additional assurances regarding governance integrity and institutional accountability.
The League is concerned that any perception of compromised governance processes could weaken donor confidence, reduce opportunities for future technical assistance, and affect access to capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen open government reforms.
Beyond the immediate electoral process, preserving the credibility of Kano State’s OGP framework is therefore essential to sustaining constructive engagement with development partners and reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation within the international open government community.
Call for an independent review
In light of these concerns, the League of Civil Society Organizations respectfully calls upon the Governor of Kano State, the Honourable Attorney-General of Kano State, the National OGP Secretariat, and other relevant stakeholders to institute an immediate, independent, transparent, and impartial review of the conduct of the Kano State OGP Secretariat and the electoral process.
Where any breach of established guidelines or governance standards is identified, appropriate corrective measures should be implemented to restore confidence in the process and safeguard the integrity of the OGP framework.
The League believes that strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional independence serves the best interests of Kano State, reinforces public confidence in governance, and advances Nigeria’s commitment to the principles of open government.
Conclusion and our definitive demands
The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the integrity of civic space, promoting transparency, and upholding the principles of accountability that underpin the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
We cannot lend legitimacy to a process which, in our considered view, undermines the independence of civil society, compromises established governance standards, and erodes public confidence in the principles of openness and co-creation that the OGP seeks to advance.
The global open government movement was built through the sustained commitment and advocacy of independent civil society actors working alongside governments as equal partners—not as extensions of state institutions.
The strength and credibility of the OGP framework depend on the genuine autonomy of both state and non-state actors and on strict adherence to transparent, inclusive, and rules-based governance processes.
International best practices in multi-stakeholder governance, reflected across successful OGP participating jurisdictions, demonstrate that the credibility of an electoral process is far more important than the expediency of conducting an election on a predetermined date.
Where legitimate concerns arise regarding conflicts of interest, institutional eligibility, electoral neutrality, or regulatory compliance, the appropriate response is to pause the process, address the deficiencies transparently, and restore confidence before proceeding.
Proceeding with an election under circumstances perceived to be fundamentally compromised risks undermining the credibility of Kano State’s OGP process, weakening stakeholder confidence, and diminishing the State’s standing within the wider open government community.
Our Demands
Accordingly, the League of Civil Society Organizations respectfully makes the following demands:
- Immediate Suspension of the Election
We call for the immediate suspension of the Kano State OGP Non-State Actors’ election pending a comprehensive and independent review of the concerns raised in this statement.
Should the process proceed without addressing these concerns, the League reserves the right to pursue all lawful avenues available, including submitting formal petitions to the National OGP Secretariat, the OGP Global Support Unit, the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM), and other relevant institutions responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the OGP process.
- Disqualification of Organizations with Apparent Conflicts of Interest
Organizations whose leadership or governance structures present actual or perceived conflicts of interest arising from direct affiliation with serving government officials should be reviewed in accordance with the OGP principles on non-state actor independence.
Where such conflicts are established, appropriate measures, including disqualification where warranted under the applicable rules, should be implemented to preserve the autonomy and credibility of civil society representation.
- Reconstitution of an Independent Electoral Committee
The current Electoral Committee should be dissolved and replaced with a genuinely independent, neutral, and broadly representative ad hoc committee composed of individuals whose impartiality commands the confidence of all stakeholders.
No outgoing office holder or individual with a direct interest in the outcome of the election should supervise or administer the process.
- Transparent Re-screening of All Candidates and Participating Organizations
A fresh screening exercise should be conducted using publicly available and clearly defined eligibility criteria.
The process should include independent verification of:
- Active Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration and compliance with statutory filing requirements;
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC), where applicable;
- Compliance with relevant anti-money laundering requirements, including SCUML registration where required by law; and
- Any additional eligibility requirements established under the OGP operational framework.
The screening criteria and the basis upon which candidates are deemed eligible should be published to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal treatment.
Our Position
Until these concerns are independently investigated and satisfactorily addressed, the League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State formally dissociates itself from the scheduled election and any outcome arising from it.
We respectfully call upon the National OGP Secretariat, the Federal Ministry of Justice, development partners, and all relevant stakeholders to carefully review the issues raised and ensure that any recognition of the electoral outcome is contingent upon full compliance with applicable OGP governance principles, operational guidelines, and relevant legal requirements.
The League remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders in pursuit of a transparent, inclusive, and credible OGP process that reflects the core values of accountability, participation, integrity, and respect for the independence of civil society.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing open government, protecting civic space, and promoting democratic governance in Kano State and throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Endorsed By:
- Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
- Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
- Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (AFRI-CIRD)
- Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
- Abdulkadir Musa Hausawa – Youth Enlightenment Forum
- Abbas Adamu – Voice of Concerned Teachers’ Forum, Kano State
- Sani Ilyas Abdullahi, Esq. – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State
- Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
- Comrade Khadija Hudu A. – Justice, Accountability and Rights Advocacy Centre
- Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
- Fatima Muhammad – Gender Inclusive and Development Support Initiative, Kano
- Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
- Comrade M. K. Adam – Societal-Based Initiative for Rights, Peace and Development (SOBIRPED)
- Fatima Ibrahim Badamasi – Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GENSAYE)
- Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
- Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Public Interest Litigation Group (PILG)
- Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
- Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative.
- Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
- Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community-Based Equal Justice Initiative
- Comrade Salisu Ibrahim Sa’eed – Kano Youth Integrity Forum
- Comrade Baraya Garba Hassan – Centre for Education, Health and Entrepreneurship Development (CEHED), Nigeria.
