After the Cold War ended in the 1990s, many African countries adopted democratic systems of government, including Nigeria which cemented the democratic culture of holding presidential and legislative elections in 1999.  Although a democracy, in Nigeria, ‘cash politics’ is a common practice by political parties of inducing voters, usually by offering cash or other items like food, branded souvenirs and clothing prior to an election to galvanise support, or during an election to buy votes. However, just before the February 2023 general elections, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) declared that the three highest denomination notes (₦200, ₦500, and ₦1000) in circulation would be redesigned, produced, and circulated. According to the CBN, the new notes would help curb corruption and currency fraud, tackle the growing menace of kidnapping for ransom, lower inflation and address the problem of having too much money in circulation. But, the expiration of the old notes without an adequate supply of the redesigned notes suggested to Nigerians that the CBN’s short-notice project was a politically motivated attempt to influence the outcome of the election. How so? Join us for what will be a fascinating talk taking us behind-the-scenes of ‘cash politics’ in Nigeria, the final impact on the CBN decision on the election outcome and the wider challenges of democratization and development in Africa.

To register please email cicvicpip@gmail.com no later than Friday 29 September 2023. This PiP is open to CIC members only and the cost to attend is $22.50, which will cover your first drink and a round of appetizers. Attendance is limited so please don’t wait to register.  Along with confirmation of your attendance once we hear from you, eTransfer payment instructions will also be provided and payment by eTransfer is strongly encouraged. If you are not able to attend after registering, and there is a waiting list, your registration fee will be reimbursed. If we do not have a waiting list, unfortunately refunds cannot be given.