The Nation Newspaper

Category: Anambra Election

  • INEC convenes stakeholders’ forum with eminent citizens

    INEC convenes stakeholders’ forum with eminent citizens

    Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will tomorrow (Tuesday) hold a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Awka.

    The meeting will be attended by prominent personalities from the state, including former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze; businessman, Sir Emeka Offor; and the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi.

    Also expected at the meeting are Governor Chukwuma Soludo and all 16 governorship candidates contesting in the November 8 poll, alongside other key stakeholders.

    Representatives of various security agencies, including the Police, Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), are equally scheduled to attend.

    According to INEC, the forum will focus on discussing the processes, procedures, and general state of preparedness for the Anambra governorship election.

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    The information was contained in a document obtained by The Nation on Sunday in Awka. The statement, e-signed by Obianyo K.C., Administrative Secretary for the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, also invited political party leaders to attend.

    “The forum will have in attendance political parties participating in the election, their candidates, the media, and civil society organisations (CSOs), election observers, security agencies, as well as ordinary citizens,” the statement read.

    The event will be held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka.

    Confirming the meeting, the Head of Department (Voter Education and Publicity), Mrs Ijeoma Obali, told The Nation that the presence of Anambra’s eminent citizens, such as Anyaoku and Eze, would add great value to the deliberations.

    “The commission is doing everything possible to make a strong statement through the Anambra election on Saturday,” she said. “We’ll get there by doing our best.”

  • NGO demands fair access for vulnerable groups

    NGO demands fair access for vulnerable groups

    The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has stressed the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process for all eligible residents, regardless of status, age, or physical condition.

    SIDEC Finance Officer, Chioma Enwereuzor, made the call during the group’s ongoing statewide civic awareness campaign ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

    Addressing traders at Nkpor Market in Idemili North Local Government Area, Enwereuzor reminded them that the law mandates priority voting for persons with disabilities (PWDs), elderly citizens, visibly pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

    She noted that inclusivity in voting remains a core requirement for the legitimacy of any election, emphasising that democracy must represent every voice — not just those of the strong or wealthy.

    “Election day is not a competition of strength or survival of the fittest; it is a democratic exercise,” Enwereuzor said.

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    “If you see a PWD, an elderly person, or a pregnant woman, the law says they should be allowed to vote first. Kindly abide — that is what makes the process fair and humane.”

    Also speaking, SIDEC Project Officer, Bruno Chimnaecherem, cautioned traders against the rising trend of vote buying in the state, describing it as a direct attack on the secrecy of the ballot and the collective future of voters and their communities.

    “When you sell your vote, you are selling your tomorrow for a token today,” he warned.

    “The Electoral Act is clear — both the buyer and the seller of votes are criminals under the law. Do not allow anyone to use poverty or hardship to buy your conscience.”

    Chimnaecherem further warned against voter apathy and election-day violence, urging citizens not to be manipulated or used by desperate politicians.

    “Do not let anyone drag you into problems that will not add value to your life,” he said.

    “Election is not war. It is not a do-or-die affair. Violence only destroys and keeps a state backwards. Resist it before, during, and after the election.”

    SIDEC is implementing its voter education campaign under the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT), in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO).

  • APGA, ADC, LP, YPP shun NLC, TUC prayer session for candidates

    APGA, ADC, LP, YPP shun NLC, TUC prayer session for candidates

    The governorship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were all absent from the prayer session organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for political parties contesting in the upcoming election.

    Only the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, was represented at the event by his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, YPP’s Sir Paul Chukwuma, LP’s Dr George Moghalu, and ADC’s John Chuma Nwosu failed to honour the invitation.

    Many dignitaries at the event expressed disappointment that candidates from other political parties—particularly the incumbent Governor Soludo—boycotted the prayer session and did not even send representatives.

    The crowd, mostly women, applauded Ekwunife and the APC for honouring the invitation.

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    The prayer session was organised by the NLC, led by Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, and the TUC, chaired by Comrade Chris Ogbonna. It was held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Awka.

    According to the attendance register, 1,300 persons were present. During her address, Ekwunife of the APC pledged to build and furnish a befitting secretariat for organised labour if elected.

    She described it as “degrading” that organised labour in Anambra State does not have a permanent secretariat and still operates from rented apartments.

    Ekwunife also criticised the APGA-led government for failing to provide a standard public library in a state that produced the late Prof. Kenneth Dike.

  • AIG warns security personnel against inter-agency rivalry

    AIG warns security personnel against inter-agency rivalry

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Awka, AIG Abayomi Peter Oladapo, has emphasised the need for genuine communication and collaboration among security agencies ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

    AIG Oladapo made the call while hosting the Anambra Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Maku Olatunde, who paid him a familiarisation visit at the Zone 13 headquarters in Ukpo, Idemili North Local Government Area.

    Olatunde condemned the tendency of some junior personnel to promote inter-agency rivalry. He urged senior officers to strengthen supervision and discipline to foster the spirit of esprit de corps across all security formations.

    “Gone are the days when one security agency could claim superiority over another,” he said.

    “Security is not something any single agency can effectively handle. There must be synergy and cooperation to ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their activities without fear.”

    The AIG also underscored the importance of robust intelligence sharing among security agencies to guarantee a safe, secure, and credible election. He further advised operatives to prioritise their own safety while carrying out operations.

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    Acknowledging the challenge of corruption within security institutions, Oladapo urged agencies to intensify efforts to identify and root out bad elements from their ranks to strengthen professionalism and restore public confidence.

    Earlier, the NSCDC Commandant reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives, electoral materials, and critical national assets through sustained collaboration with sister agencies.

    He explained that his visit aimed to deepen inter-agency understanding and to appreciate the police leadership for its continued support to the NSCDC, particularly in election security management.

    “The success of the forthcoming election depends on effective synergy among security agencies, stakeholders, and citizens,” Olatunde said.

    “The NSCDC will maintain the highest level of professionalism to ensure the state’s continued peace and stability.”

    He further advised residents to turn out en masse to exercise their civic rights, assuring that adequate security measures have been put in place by the NSCDC in collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election.

  • Headteacher suspended over campaign rally in school

    Headteacher suspended over campaign rally in school

    The head teacher of Community Primary School, Umunze, in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been suspended indefinitely for allegedly allowing a political campaign rally to take place within the school premises during school hours.

    The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the suspension, describing the head teacher’s action as a “gross violation” of government directives prohibiting political or social gatherings in public schools.

    According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Education had earlier issued a standing order barring political meetings, rallies, or any form of non-academic gatherings in schools to ensure that learning environments remain safe and apolitical.

    Prof. Chuma-Udeh expressed regret that the incident disrupted academic activities and put pupils’ safety at risk.

    “The head teacher disobeyed an existing order of the ministry, which banned gatherings of any sort in schools. The state government is preparing to institute legal action against the organisers of the rally, whose activities disrupted classes and endangered the lives of the children,” she stated.

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    The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and safeguarding children in all educational institutions, emphasising that schools must remain neutral and focused solely on learning.

    She warned that similar infractions would attract severe sanctions, noting that the government would not tolerate any attempt to use public schools as platforms for partisan activities or political mobilisation.

    Sources within the community revealed that the rally, reportedly organised by a local political group, took place during school hours and attracted a large crowd, leading to a temporary suspension of lessons. The situation, they said, caused panic among pupils and teachers before security operatives intervened to restore order.

    The development has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some commending the government’s firm stance on protecting the sanctity of the school environment, while others urged for a thorough investigation to ensure that the head teacher is not unfairly punished if she had no control over the event.

  • No contender has comprehensive manifesto says study

    No contender has comprehensive manifesto says study

    A new report by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) has revealed that none of the five leading contenders in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, has presented a costed or comprehensive manifesto detailing how they intend to implement their campaign promises if elected.

    The report, titled ADEHUN – Pre-Election Accountability Report, was unveiled in Abuja under the Electoral Accountability Tool (EAT) of the Policy Accountability Lab (PAL).

    Executive Director of PLSI, Olusegun Elemo, who presented the findings, said the manifestos released so far by the five major political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—were “largely rhetorical and devoid of implementation frameworks.”

    Elemo noted that some candidates in the race had not published manifestos at all, while others merely made broad promises without clear strategies or financial projections for achieving them.

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    “This pre-election accountability report, produced under the ADEHUN Electoral Accountability Tool (EAT), presents an evidence-based analysis of campaign commitments made by candidates contesting the 2025 Anambra State governorship election,” Elemo explained.

    “For this election, none of the five major contenders published a costed or comprehensive manifesto. Consequently, the ADEHUN scorecard relied on verified campaign statements, public interviews, and party policy materials.”

    According to him, the absence of detailed, costed manifestos highlights a recurring problem in Nigeria’s political space—what he described as the country’s “promise-policy gap.”

    “We have a situation where candidates are just making promises, but the implementation details—the how—are missing,” he said. “Costing helps determine how much money is needed to implement specific projects within the first year in office. Those details are not available in any of the manifestos we assessed.”

    The PLSI Executive Director said the report aims to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process by encouraging political candidates to clearly outline, cost, and publish their governance plans.

    “This report is expected to put candidates in future elections on their toes—to be more transparent, provide accessible information, and give voters the resources to make informed decisions and hold elected officials accountable post-election,” he added.

    The PLSI report also noted that the incumbent governor and APGA candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, led other contenders in the clarity of his policy communication and emphasis on participatory and inclusive governance.

    However, it emphasised that even Soludo’s manifesto, while more detailed than others, lacked adequate costing and measurable performance indicators.

    “This analysis underscores the urgent need to institutionalise manifesto publication and pre-election accountability across Nigeria’s political system,” the report concluded.

  • Moghalu to traders: let’s unite to rescue state’s economy

    Moghalu to traders: let’s unite to rescue state’s economy

    The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr George Moghalu, has called on traders across the state to unite in rescuing Anambra’s economy from imminent collapse.

    He described the current situation as a critical moment that demands honest, transparent, and visionary leadership.

    Speaking during an interactive session with traders at the All Saints Cathedral Hall, Onitsha, Moghalu decried the unbearable tax regime, rising insecurity, and the neglect of markets by the current administration.

    He commended the traders for their resilience and assured them that his government would restore dignity and prosperity to commerce in the state.

    Moghalu promised that, if elected, his administration would modernise markets, end the exploitation of transport workers, and ensure transparency in all government dealings.

    “My administration will end the imposition of market leaders and allow traders to elect their representatives without government interference,” he said.

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    Warning against returning the incumbent to office, he added, “If Soludo returns, he will not come with Aka Odo again—this time, he will come with a hammer.”

    Moghalu, who was accompanied by his running mate, Mrs Ifeoma Okaro, reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Anambra’s economy through transparency, discipline, and innovation.

    He emphasised that the market community remains the backbone of Anambra’s economy and will play a decisive role in restoring the state’s lost glory.

    Earlier, traders at the event lamented multiple levies, daily extortions by agberos, and the harsh taxes imposed on businesses.

    They recounted how motorcycle and tricycle operators, as well as bus drivers, are constantly harassed and forced to pay illegal tolls.

    According to them, even when they park their keke and do not operate, they are still compelled to pay, describing the situation as wicked, insensitive, and unsustainable.

    The traders further complained that despite the heavy taxes they pay, there has been no visible development or modernisation of markets, while industries continue to shut down across the state.

    The event attracted market leaders, artisans, and business operators, including Jude Umennajiego, who represents Onitsha South II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, and Uche Okafor, among other dignitaries.

  • NGO partners with security agencies for inclusive, credible poll

    NGO partners with security agencies for inclusive, credible poll

    The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election is fair, transparent, and credible.

    The organisation’s Executive Director, Nonso Orakwe, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of both agencies in Awka, noting that the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration with security agencies in promoting inclusive and credible elections.

    Orakwe said the partnership was crucial in light of growing concerns about potential electoral violence. He urged security agencies to guarantee the protection of electoral materials and the safety of voters before, during, and after the election.

    He said: “This initiative is part of CATYCOI’s broader youth-led advocacy for electoral reforms in line with the ongoing constitutional amendment process and the need to safeguard democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “We seek collaboration with the Police and the NSCDC to enhance civic participation and ensure security during the election. Our goal is to promote good governance, voter education, and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process.”

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    While commending the police for their professionalism in previous elections, Orakwe expressed confidence that they would build on past successes in the November 8 poll.

    “We are advocating and hoping that the police and other security agencies will ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election devoid of violence,” he added.

    Responding on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, commended CATYCOI for its advocacy toward peaceful and credible elections.

    Ikenga, however, noted that such initiatives should ideally begin long before an election year to achieve wider reach and deeper community impact.

    “This kind of advocacy should have started much earlier so that the message could have reached every part of the state. Our biggest challenge remains voter apathy — people must be encouraged to participate actively in the process,” he said.

    Also responding on behalf of the NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, the Deputy Commandant, P. N. Ukaobi, pledged the Corps’ readiness to partner with CATYCOI and other civic organisations to promote credible and peaceful elections.

    Ukaobi lamented the low voter turnout recorded in previous elections, despite the government’s financial investments in the electoral process, and called for renewed public confidence in democratic participation.

    “The NSCDC will continue to engage with civic groups and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral environment,” she added.

  • NSCDC deploys 10,250 personnel, warns against violence

    NSCDC deploys 10,250 personnel, warns against violence

    The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,250 personnel to Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

    Prof. Audi said the deployment was aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible, and orderly election, warning that anyone found violating electoral laws would face the full weight of the law.

    He explained that the personnel were drawn from tactical units at the Corps’ national headquarters and various state commands across the federation.

    Addressing state commandants and heads of tactical squads at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, Audi emphasised that the deployment aligns with the Corps’ mandate to collaborate with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security management.

    “With effective coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among security agencies, there will be violence-free elections,” he assured.

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    The NSCDC boss cautioned politicians and their supporters against making inciting statements or engaging in actions that could trigger unrest before, during, or after the polls.

    “The Anambra election is slated for Saturday, November 8. All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed immediately to man identified flashpoints,” he directed.

    “Tactical forces are to commence round-the-clock patrols, while operatives deployed to polling units and collation centres must adhere strictly to the posting order.”

    Prof. Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and respect for citizens’ fundamental human rights, in line with the resolution of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “The NSCDC, alongside other security agencies, will monitor the election process and provide adequate protection for election materials and officials on duty,” he said.

    He further disclosed that the deployed operatives were drawn from the National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and the state commands of Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa, among others.

  • Only vote buying can stop my victory, ADC candidate boasts

    Only vote buying can stop my victory, ADC candidate boasts

    The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Nwosu, has expressed confidence that he will win the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.

    Nwosu said only vote buying and voter apathy could stand in the way of his victory at the polls. According to him, the poor performance of the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has positioned the ADC for victory.

    He also commended the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it has rekindled hope for a credible and transparent election.

    Nwosu urged voters to turn out en masse and reject inducements from politicians, stressing that large voter participation and resistance to vote buying would ensure that Prof. Amupitan’s promise of a credible election is fulfilled.

    On his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, Nwosu explained that he joined the coalition platform when it became clear that the LP nomination process would violate the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

    He said: “I was the one who built the structure of the Labour Party in Anambra State. When I decided to run for governor last year, I met our leader, Peter Obi, who advised that the party lacked a physical structure in the state and needed visibility.

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    “I recruited a team comprising Oseloka Obaze, former Secretary to the Anambra State Government and campaign manager for the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council, under which I served as Director of ICT. Together with him and Ben Chuks Nwosu, former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly during Peter Obi’s impeachment, we established Labour Party offices in all 21 local government areas, providing each with ₦1 million for logistics.”

    Nwosu noted that, like the incumbent governors of Enugu and Abia States, he comes from the private sector and intends to replicate their record of good governance and impactful service delivery in Anambra.

    He added that the ADC was poised to spring surprises in the upcoming election, noting that it would be both Prof. Amupitan’s first election as INEC Chairman and the coalition ADC’s first major electoral outing since its formation.