The Nation Newspaper

Category: Anambra Election

  • INEC to begin PVC distribution, conduct mock accreditation Wednesday

    INEC to begin PVC distribution, conduct mock accreditation Wednesday

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will tomorrow, October 22, 2025, commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and conduct a mock accreditation exercise in Anambra State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

    According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, the PVC distribution exercise will run from October 22 to 26 for voters who registered during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    Eta-Messi urged eligible voters to visit their respective registration areas to collect their PVCs, emphasizing that collection must be done in person. She reiterated that no collection by proxy will be allowed under any circumstance.

    “All registered voters are urged to ensure they collect their PVCs within the specified period to be eligible to vote in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra,” Eta-Messi said.

    The INEC spokesperson also announced that the mock accreditation exercise will take place on Saturday, October 25, across selected polling units in the state’s three senatorial districts.

    READ ALSO: NLC issues four-week ultimatum to FG over ASUU crisis

    She explained that the exercise aims to test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), assess its response time, and verify the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) ahead of the main election.

    Eta-Messi listed the polling units selected for the mock exercise as follows: Anambra Central: Amawbia II (03), Igwédimma Primary School I & II (006, 007), Idemili North Nkpor II (06), Ububa Village Square (035), Awka South LGA.

    Anambra North: Nteje III (07), Girls Secondary School, Nteje (005); Nteje IV (08), State Primary School, Nteje (002), Oyi LGA; Aguleri II (02), Central School (001), and Umunoke Public Square I (002), Anambra East LGA.

    Anambra South: Ekwulobia I (06), Central School, Ekwulobia (003); Ekwulobia II (07), Urban Girls Secondary School, Ekwulobia (009), Aguata LGA; Ajalli I (01), Primary School (007), and RCM KDT School (011), Orumba North LGA.

    Eta-Messi encouraged registered voters in the affected polling units to actively participate in the mock accreditation, noting that their involvement would help INEC fine-tune its operational and technological processes before the election.

  • ‘Emulate woman who rejected N5,000 bribe during 2021 poll’

    ‘Emulate woman who rejected N5,000 bribe during 2021 poll’

    The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has urged voters in Anambra State to reject all forms of vote buying and uphold the integrity of the forthcoming November 8 governorship election.

    Its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, made the appeal while addressing traders — mostly women — during a voter education and sensitization campaign at the Eke Igbo-Ukwu Market in Aguata Local Government Area.

    The campaign, part of Project IMPACT, is implemented by SIDEC in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

    Ehiahuruike said the initiative aims to discourage voter apathy and curb electoral corruption, emphasizing the need for citizens to reject financial inducements during elections.

    “Our message is simple — say no to vote trading. If you’re not ready to sell, the buyers will not come to you,” she stated.

    The SIDEC boss encouraged voters to emulate a woman who, during the 2021 governorship election, rejected a N5,000 bribe from politicians and was later rewarded with N1 million by the governor for her integrity.

    “Do not sell your future or that of your children for peanuts. No amount of money can replace good governance. Insist on electing competent and trustworthy leaders,” she advised.

    Ehiahuruike reminded voters that recent electoral reforms have strengthened Nigeria’s voting process, making votes count more than ever before.

    READ ALSO: Alleged forgery: Anyanwu signed letter before Govs, Saraki, Aliyu, others – PDP

    “Politicians now know they can’t manipulate the system as before, so they resort to buying votes. That’s why your vote is your power — don’t misuse it,” she emphasized.

    She also urged citizens to respect the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, especially those guaranteeing priority voting for persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.

    “Allow them to cast their votes first. It’s not only lawful but also humane,” she said.

    The SIDEC Executive Director further warned against electoral violence, urging voters not to allow politicians to exploit them for selfish ends.

    “Shun violence before, during, and after the election. No politician’s ambition is worth your life,” she cautioned.

    In her remarks, SIDEC Coordinator in Aguata LGA, Ngozi Oragbakosi, encouraged traders to come out en masse to vote on election day.

    “Whether able-bodied or living with disability, everyone has the right to vote and be treated fairly. Cast your vote and keep it secret — that’s what democracy means,” she said.

    Also speaking, Chioma Enweruzor, another SIDEC team member, reminded citizens of their civic duty to participate actively in the electoral process.

    “If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain when things go wrong. While going to vote, don’t wear clothes bearing political party logos — it’s against the law. Please share this message with your husbands and children, especially those eligible to vote,” she appealed.

    Enweruzor further urged the people to maintain peace and decorum throughout the election period.

    “Participate peacefully and avoid anything that could disrupt harmony in the state,” she added.

  • ‘Remain vigilant against election rigging’

    ‘Remain vigilant against election rigging’

    The flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has cautioned against any attempts to subvert the people’s will through electoral malpractice ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

    Speaking at a campaign rally in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, yesterday, Soludo urged members of the APGA and supporters to remain vigilant and defend their votes.

    “They want to rig the election, but we are ready and waiting. Anambra will not be taken backward,” he declared.

    The governor described the ongoing APGA campaign as a grassroots revolution driven by the people, unlike any other political movement previously witnessed in the state or the country.

    “The APGA campaign is now a people-owned movement. I don’t know of any other state in Nigeria where the people themselves have taken over the campaign. This is unprecedented,” he stated.

    Soludo thanked the people of Awka South for their massive turnout and steadfast support, describing the rally as a powerful display of public confidence in both his administration and APGA’s vision for the state.

    READ ALSO: NLC issues four-week ultimatum to FG over ASUU crisis

    Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor noted significant progress in education, infrastructure, security, and human capital development, stressing his commitment to transforming every part of Anambra.

    “We are developing our communities so rapidly that soon, some people may hardly recognize their own villages because of the scale of transformation taking place,” Soludo said.

    He expressed special appreciation to the youths and students of Awka South, who voluntarily donated N515,000 in support of the campaign — a gesture he described as symbolic of genuine grassroots backing.

    Soludo also commended the Traditional Medicine Practitioners in the area for contributing N3 million to the campaign, acknowledging their role in preserving authentic indigenous healing practices.

    At the same time, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cracking down on fake traditional healers and others promoting destructive superstitions that mislead young people.

    “We love and respect genuine traditional medicine practitioners — those who heal with herbs and roots — not those deceiving our youths with false promises of instant wealth through charms and ‘okeite’.

    We will not allow such harmful influences in Anambra State,” Soludo warned.

    The flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has cautioned against any attempts to subvert the people’s will through electoral malpractice ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

    Speaking at a campaign rally in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, yesterday, Soludo urged members of the APGA and supporters to remain vigilant and defend their votes.

    “They want to rig the election, but we are ready and waiting. Anambra will not be taken backward,” he declared.

    The governor described the ongoing APGA campaign as a grassroots revolution driven by the people, unlike any other political movement previously witnessed in the state or the country.

    “The APGA campaign is now a people-owned movement. I don’t know of any other state in Nigeria where the people themselves have taken over the campaign. This is unprecedented,” he stated.

    Soludo thanked the people of Awka South for their massive turnout and steadfast support, describing the rally as a powerful display of public confidence in both his administration and APGA’s vision for the state.

    Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor noted significant progress in education, infrastructure, security, and human capital development, stressing his commitment to transforming every part of Anambra.

    “We are developing our communities so rapidly that soon, some people may hardly recognize their own villages because of the scale of transformation taking place,” Soludo said.

    He expressed special appreciation to the youths and students of Awka South, who voluntarily donated N515,000 in support of the campaign — a gesture he described as symbolic of genuine grassroots backing.

    Soludo also commended the Traditional Medicine Practitioners in the area for contributing N3 million to the campaign, acknowledging their role in preserving authentic indigenous healing practices.

    At the same time, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cracking down on fake traditional healers and others promoting destructive superstitions that mislead young people.

    “We love and respect genuine traditional medicine practitioners — those who heal with herbs and roots — not those deceiving our youths with false promises of instant wealth through charms and ‘okeite’.

    We will not allow such harmful influences in Anambra State,” Soludo warned.

  • Ukachukwu pledges economic, agricultural transformation

    Ukachukwu pledges economic, agricultural transformation

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has reiterated his commitment to transforming the state’s economy and agricultural sector if elected in the November 8 governorship election.

    Ukachukwu, who has continued to unveil his vision and development agenda for the state, promised massive job creation, agricultural loans and grants for farmers, road construction, and the creation of a conducive environment for business and investment in Anambra.

    The APC candidate and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, received a N85 million donation from the Agulu community — the hometown of former governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

    The donation came barely a day after ten communities in Anaocha Local Government Area reportedly raised N50 million in support of the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    Expressing appreciation for the gesture, Ukachukwu commended the zeal and commitment of the people of Agulu, assuring them that his administration would prioritize gender balance, inclusion, and empowerment, citing his choice of Senator Ekwunife as a reflection of that commitment.

    “Our campaign is built on inclusion, productivity, and service. We are ready to revive the state’s economy, support our farmers, empower women and youths, and make Anambra secure and prosperous again,” Ukachukwu said.

    He also vowed to end insecurity in the state, stressing his determination to confront armed groups and restore lasting peace.

    “We will not allow criminal elements to continue to terrorize our people. My administration will make Anambra safe, secure, and economically viable,” he assured.

    READ ALSO: Alleged forgery: Anyanwu signed letter before Govs, Saraki, Aliyu, others – PDP

    Leaders from Agulu community, including Sir Chris Chikwelu, a former aide to Peter Obi and his brother, pledged the community’s total support for Ukachukwu and the APC.

    “We are convinced that Prince Ukachukwu has the vision, experience, and sincerity to lead Anambra to greatness. Agulu will deliver APC in this election,” Chikwelu stated.

    Other stakeholders at the rally expressed similar confidence in the APC candidate’s leadership, as women groups, led by Ekwunife, danced and sang in celebration, chanting “Iyom! Iyom!” across the arena.

  • Nwosu: Criminalise vote buying

    Nwosu: Criminalise vote buying

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, John Nwosu, has called for the criminalization of vote buying and the prosecution of any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in the practice during the upcoming November 8 governorship election in the state.

    Speaking with reporters in Onitsha, Nwosu described vote trading as a heinous crime and “one of the greatest assaults on Nigeria’s democracy”.

    He added, “We call on government agencies responsible for ensuring credible elections to criminalize and prosecute any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in vote buying or selling at polling units.”

    Nwosu further stated that any government involved in vote buying demonstrates incompetence and corruption, questioning the source of funds used for such illegal activities.

    “Where are they getting the money for vote buying? It’s public money — your money. This is a rape on democracy and the height of corruption. Because of N10,000 or N20,000, people sell their birthright for four years and then start complaining,” he lamented.

    Nwosu also criticized the media for not doing enough to discourage the practice, urging journalists to intensify voter education and awareness campaigns about the dangers of selling votes.

    He proposed practical measures for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to curb vote trading, including restricting the use of mobile phones inside voting cubicles.

    “In one of my media chats, I suggested that INEC should ensure that voters enter the polling area without phones, cast their ballots, and drop them before leaving. That way, vote buying will gradually become history,” he explained.

    READ ALSO: NLC issues four-week ultimatum to FG over ASUU crisis

    Emphasising the crucial role of the press, Nwosu urged media professionals to sensitize the public about the long-term consequences of vote trading.

    “The media must educate people that collecting N5,000, N10,000, or even N20,000 in exchange for votes means mortgaging their future for the next four years. It’s not worth it,” he added.

    The ADC flag bearer also appealed to residents to abandon their lukewarm attitude toward elections and become more strategic and participatory, noting that voter apathy remains one of the biggest enablers of electoral malpractice.

    “Seventy per cent of the outcome of any election depends on the people. Voter apathy is one of the major ways elections are rigged in this country,” he said.

  • FG to incorporate traditional medicine in primary health care delivery

    FG to incorporate traditional medicine in primary health care delivery

    The Federal Government yesterday disclosed that it plans to officially integrate Traditional, Alternative, and Complementary (TCAM) medicine into the country’s Primary Health Care System.

    It explained that the time has come to put the medical knowledge and skills of the forefathers of the country on the front burner for greater value addition, in line with its aspiration to explore all avenues for Universal Health Coverage.

    It, therefore, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the TCAM Bill, which will provide the necessary framework for further development of the sector.

    The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, made this known in Abuja during the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Conference organised by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Read Also: New health insurance law ’ll tackle poverty, says NHIS chief

    He said: “There need not be a controversy between orthodox and traditional medicine. It is instructive that a very high percentage of Nigerians seek and use traditional medicine, either as a matter of preference or as an addition to orthodox medicine. This reinforces the grounds for giving the traditional healing art a place in our health system.

    “The Federal Ministry of Health will consider how to officially integrate Traditional, Alternative, and Complementary medicine in our Primary Health Care System. Before this is done, however, it is important that the practice is property regulated to assure health benefits accrue to our people.”

    The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, in her remarks called on all stakeholders, especially the Federal Government to ramp up utilization of its traditional medicines, especially in healthcare and economic development.

    She noted that while alternative healthcare like acupuncture and ayurveda have been imported and accepted in the country, the traditional medicine potential remains under-utilized at less than 20 percent.

    “This conference is in line with this administration’s agenda of boosting non-oil exports, which will lead to commercial cultivation and medicinal plants for health, economic and social benefits. It will provide health and jobs for our teeming youths and women,” she said.

  • APC has written results of 10 councils, Obiano alleges

    APC has written results of 10 councils, Obiano alleges

    Anambra Governor Willie Obiano has raised the alarm over alleged plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare written results of the governorship election in 10 local government areas.

    He spoke on Friday evening through Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba.

    But the APC dismissed his claim as the alarm of a sinking boat.

    Obiano said: “The Anambra State Government has credible intelligence showing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has already written results of 10 Local Government Areas as regards the gubernatorial election which will take place tomorrow, November 6, 2021.

    “The results are those of Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Aguata, Orumba South, Orumba North, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ogbaru, Anambra East and Anambra West. These are LGAs with high numbers of registered voters.

    “APC operatives are relying on compromised Independent National Electronic Commission (INEC) officials, who smuggled out the result sheets of a number of polling units two nights ago and the result sheets of some LGAs last night, to accept and announce the results, regardless of authentic results submitted by INEC officials electronically.

    “They plan to capitalise on the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has yet to assent to the new Electoral Bill which makes electronic voting mandatory to perpetrate the fraud.

    “A former Senate President from the Southeast, a former State Deputy Governor who later became a Senator from the Southwest and a sitting State Governor from the Southeast are deeply involved in the fraud to toy with the destiny of the Anambra people.

    “This public announcement is to alert the Anambra people, the INEC national leadership, the security agencies, the mass media, election observers, civil society organizations and the international community of this grand plot. The barefaced brigandage just cannot stand.”

    But Director, Media and Publicity of Senator Andy Uba campaign organization, Hon Victor Ogene, said the allegation from APGA had exposed their plans in the election.

    He said because they were afraid of their shadows, they had resorted in raising false alarm to deceive the public, adding that the prayer of APC had started manifesting.

    “They know they have failed and disappointed Ndi Anambra and they have equally seen the handwriting on the wall. They should come out openly and apologize to the people for their failure in 16 years in Anambra, “the APC said.

  • Residents flee Anambra hours to poll over security concerns

    Residents flee Anambra hours to poll over security concerns

    Many residents of Anambra State are relocating to neighbouring States over security concerns a few hours before the governorship election on Saturday.

    The Nation noted the exercise may witness serious voter apathy.

    Besides, the heavy deployment of over 34,000 security personnel by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba, has heightened fears of violence and attacks among residents.

    Some of the residents were seen at different motor parks in the State boarding vehicles to Enugu, Delta, Edo and Abia, among others.

    One of them, Chidera, told The Nation she was relocating to Asaba in Delta State until after the governorship election.

    Maurice said she was on his way to Enugu on Thursday following threats by non-state actors.

    But Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba, described such a claim as untrue.

    He said those seen travellings were people from far places like Ayamelum who wanted to go home to cast their votes since they registered in their areas.

    Read Also: Anambra Poll: DIG, AIG resign, redeployed

    Adinuba said: “You know the Governor declared two-day work-free days in the State which are Thursday and Friday. The workers who live in urban centres used the opportunity to travel on time and again you know it’s still raining.

    “No one is leaving Anambra State because of insecurity, those you saw are people from far areas in the State like Ayamelum, who want to go and vote

    “If you say they are relocating, what State in Nigeria is safer than Anambra State? People should grow beyond such propaganda.”

    The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, Zaki Ahmed, told The Nation that heavy deployment of security agencies was not to scare residents.

    Rather, he said they were here to secure lives and property from the non- State actors, adding that they were also in Anambra to maintain neutrality.

    He said the policemen would work with other sister agencies, in making sure that the governorship election was free and fair while calling on the residents to come out to cast their votes

  • Anambra Poll: DIG, AIG resign, redeployed

    A Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Joseph Egbunike and Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) deployed to Anambra State for Saturday’s governorship election have resigned from the assignment.

    The two senior Police Officers have been redeployed by the Inspector General of Police Baba Alkali but no reason was given for their action.

    But the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Princess Nkeiruka Nwode, said nobody resigned.

    She said only DIG Egbunike was sent to another important assignment

    She described as untrue the reports making the rounds that another AIG also left, adding that the media should shun fake news at all times

    The Nation gathered in Awka that they resigned based on alleged underground moves by some politicians to compromise them.

    A source said:”We learnt they were being disturbed by some of the political parties to work for them and some of these officers want their integrity intact and they decided to leave the assignment ”

    But the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on the November 6 governorship election expressed worry over the incessant deployment of the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State.

    The group was reacting to Friday’s unannounced removal of Deputy Inspector General, Joseph Egbunike as head of the special police team providing security to the State.

    Addressing reporters in Awka, Convener,
    Ene Obi said the State had had six Commissioners of Police in six months, wondering what could be responsible for the development.

    She said: “This State has been a bit notorious in terms of Police deployment. I remember we were on the ground a month ago when we had a meeting with the security agencies.

    “We just finished speaking with the CP who had been around less than 2months and around 8.30 pm, he was removed before the close of the meeting.

    “There has been six CPs in Anambra State in 6 months. What is going on is only the AIG and IGP that can tell us why they’re deploying and redeploying at this last minute.

    “This same DIG that addressed us yesterday is ironically from this state, we don’t really know what is going on.”

    According to Obi, the Situation Room would work with her over 70 partners and networks to observe the election and receive reports from across the 21 local government areas of the State.

    READ ALSO: Anambra poll: We shall be neutral – Police

    “Situation Room is counting on the assurances of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force that they are fully prepared for the election, with INEC assuring that logistics and deployment are fully under its control and the Police assuring that it will keep the security situation under check,” she added.

    On the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Obi said, “Our reports indicate a seamless distribution process at the various centers, although the distribution started late due to late arrival of the PVC.

    “Obviously, some persons may be disenfranchised if they were not able to move out today. But I don’t think INEC will deliberately want to disenfranchise people. They just have to be held accountable for late arrival of the PVCs.

    “I believe the reason for the public holiday by the government is to enable the workers to collect their cards. But we’ve not heard of any incident of confrontation in any of the centers.

    Obi further added that the sensitive materials were duly escorted to their various destinations by security agencies.

    “Both the police and INEC have promised to deliver on their mandate and we must hold them by their words. We’ll continue to monitor them,” she noted.

    She listed the areas of monitoring to include early distribution and deployment of personnel and materials, the timely opening of poll, adherence to COVID-19 Protocols on Election day.

    “Other areas of monitoring include knowledge of election procedures by INEC ad hoc staff, voting procedures particularly the efficacy of the new Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS), the transmission of polling units results and transparent collation process,” she added.

  • PHOTOS: Anambra residents observe sit-at-home despite cancellation

    PHOTOS: Anambra residents observe sit-at-home despite cancellation