The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Police restrict movements for Anambra Gov poll

    Police restrict movements for Anambra Gov poll

    Anambra Police Command has announced total restriction of vehicular movements in/out and across the State on Saturday, November 8, 2025 Governorship election.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the restriction which takes effect from 12.00am to 6.00pm applies to all forms of motorised transportation, including: Private vehicles, Commercial vehicles, Trucks, Tricycles, Motorcycles and shuttle buses. 

    He urged intended interstate travelers intending to travel through any part of the State to take alternative routes during the period. 

    He said: “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that there will be a total restriction of vehicular movements in/out and across Anambra State on Saturday, 8th November 2025, being the day of the Governorship Election.

    “The restriction takes effect from 12.00am to 6.00pm on the Election Day, and shall affect all roads within the state including interstate highways. 

    “This measure is in line with the unanimous decision reached at the meeting of the Security Services Commanders in Anambra State held at the Police State Headquarters, Awka, on 5th November 2025. 

    “The decision is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

    “The restriction applies to all forms of motorized transportation, including: Private vehicles, Commercial vehicles, Trucks, Tricycles, Motorcycles and shuttle buses. 

    “All intended interstate travelers intending to travel through any part of the State are advised to take alternative routes during this period. 

    “Only persons on essential duties such as designated INEC officials, accredited journalists and election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and essential services providers would be exempted – such persons must, carry valid identification and clearance tag at all times.

    “Residents are urged to comply with this security arrangement as it is designed to safeguard lives and property, ensure a peaceful election atmosphere and guarantee that voters freely exercise their right to vote their preferred candidate.

    “The Command calls on the electorate to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel who have been deployed across the State to enforce this directive and maintain order.”

  • Halt demolition of properties for circular road, Oyo APC urges Makinde

    Halt demolition of properties for circular road, Oyo APC urges Makinde

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to halt demolition of properties belonging to citizens in some parts of Ibadan.

    According to the party, only stoppage of the demolition can forestall imminent revolt against Makinde’s administration by victims and other residents.

    A statement by APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo state, Olawale Sadare, faulted the defense put forward by the Makinde administration as justification for the encroachment on some Federal Government facilities and properties spread across the Ibadan and Saki.

    Sadare said: “The lamentations coming from the victims of the ongoing demolition of citizens’ properties along the road stretch anticipated for the Ibadan Circular Road Project are so deafening that no sensitive government should ignore. 

    “Property owners express their frustrations everywhere around Ibadan and on social media as lives are being lost on account of disappointment and shock Gov. Makinde seems not bothered or concerned.

    “To make the matter worse, the state government has not been able to convince the whole world on why it must render several thousands of families homeless just because a 110km road project is to be delivered. 

    “Questions have been asked regarding what the governor planned to do with the over 500,000 plots of land being forcefully taken from the rightful owners majority of whom are poor citizens but there are no answers coming from the government.

    “Now that the citizens are being pushed to the wall, it is natural that people would consider the self help option. The signals are so loud that mammoth crowd of victims should be taken for granted again. 

    “We do not want any crisis in our dear state and this is why we are appealing to Gov. Makinde to reduce the set back or corridor on the road to 100metres as against the 500metres (on both sides) being implemented. 

    “In case of any protest, Gov. Makinde should know that beleaguered residents with bottled up anger against his administration would join hands and the results might be pleasant. 

    “Apart from individuals whose lands have been grabbed by the agents of the state government in the last six years, we have traders and business across major markets, in Ibadan, who have been shortchanged in one or the other and this set of people would want to take full advantage of the situation. Therefore, Gov. Makinde must act fast and address the issue immediately.”

  • Bayelsa APC Chair Otiotio welcomes Diri 

    Bayelsa APC Chair Otiotio welcomes Diri 

    The All-Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa Chapter, has expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri, Speaker Abraham Ngobere and members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, other appointees and teaming followers and supporters for officially joining the party. 

    In a statement by Bayelsa chairman of the party, Chief Dennis Otiotio Odoni, the APC heartily welcomed the Governor and his team to the Renewed Hope family.

    He pledged the unflinching and unalloyed support and loyalty of the entire members of the APC to the  Governor as the Leader of the party.  

    He expressed delight in the Governor’s decision to leave the PDP to join the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose reforms are reshaping the socio economic and political landscape of the country. 

    Otiotio eulogised the Governor for embarking on major projects such as the three senatorial roads, the ongoing installation of a 60 megawatts plug and play gas turbine amongst others. 

    He called on all party faithful in the state to embrace the new entrants into the party, noting that every member both old and new are equal with same rights and obligations.

  • Pro-Wike PDP faction dissolves Wabara-led BoT

    Pro-Wike PDP faction dissolves Wabara-led BoT

    The faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Friday dissolved the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, citing loss of credibility and moral authority.

    The move followed the inauguration of a new Board of Trustees by the factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, at a meeting hosted by Wike at his Life Camp official residence in Abuja.

    In his address shortly before the meeting went into a closed door, Muhammad said the exercise was part of efforts to restore discipline, constitutional order and moral direction within the party, which, he lamented, had been eroded under the previous leadership.

    He accused the dissolved Wabara-led BoT of losing “the moral balance expected of that noble institution”, noting that Wabara’s suspension by the Abia State Chapter of the party for alleged anti-party activities rendered his continued leadership “untenable”.

    “The Board that was meant to be the moral compass of our party became divided and ineffective. The credibility of that leadership was heavily questioned, and its continued role in national advisory matters became impossible to sustain,” he said.

    Muhammad also blamed the tenure of the ‘suspended’ National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for what he described as the party’s moral decline and disregard for judicial authority.

    He accused Damagum of protecting individuals who violated the party’s constitution, choosing “convenience over the rule of law”.

    “When any political party begins to disregard its own constitution and laws, it loses the very soul that holds it together. This was the painful reality we faced,” he declared.

    The Acting Chairman hailed the intervention of three concerned party members who sought judicial redress to “save the PDP from itself”, saying their action led to the recent Federal High Court judgement that paved the way for the reconstitution of the BoT.

    “The court judgement was not an attack on the PDP; it was a reminder that no institution is greater than the law,” Muhammad noted, describing the decision as “a wake-up call to return to our roots and reawaken the values that once made the PDP the pride of Africa.”

    He said the newly inaugurated BoT would serve as a “symbol of rebirth” and the “conscience and compass” of the PDP, adding that its members were chosen to uphold integrity and fairness rather than loyalty or factional interest.

    “This is not a reward for loyalty; it is a sacred trust. Your voices must be voices of unity, your advice rooted in fairness, and your actions must inspire confidence in our collective future,” he stated.

    The PDP chairman admitted that the party’s internal decay began when it jettisoned its zoning principle before the 2015 elections, allowing personal ambition to override equity. He said the new leadership was determined to rebuild the PDP on the foundations of transparency, justice, and adherence to court judgements.

    He said: “We will rebuild this party with transparency. We will respect court judgements and the rule of law. We will conduct our congresses with fairness and integrity. We will restore public trust and make the PDP once again the moral voice of Nigeria’s democracy”.

    Muhammad warned that the party would no longer hide under the excuse of “internal affairs” to justify impunity, insisting that party autonomy must operate within constitutional limits.

    “Internal affairs must still operate under constitutional order. Party autonomy cannot mean lawlessness. We must reform or risk irrelevance,” he stated.

    He also called for unity and reform, declaring, “Let history record that when the PDP stood at the edge of the precipice, men and women of goodwill rose to pull it back. Together, we can heal our party and restore the PDP as the true hope of Nigeria’s democratic future.”

    He said the party will always seek peace and growth of the PDP.

  • Diri’s leadership, contribution to knowledge exceptional, say Shettima, Mutfwang, UNILAG

    Diri’s leadership, contribution to knowledge exceptional, say Shettima, Mutfwang, UNILAG

    • …Varsity endows chair in gov’s honour

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, have lauded Governor Douye Diri’s remarkable strides in the education sector through transformative initiatives. 

    They described his administration’s reforms and investments in the sector as visionary in driving a knowledge-based economy.

    They gave the commendation at the formal Book Presentation/Launch, Public Lecture and Institution of a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance in honour of Senator Diri at the University of Lagos on Wednesday.

    They said his book, “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri” which was edited by Prof. Hope Eghagha and Sola Ojewusi under the UNILAG Consult, and the endowment of a professorial chair in the Department of Political Science were not only tributes to the Bayelsa governor but also a masterclass in leadership.

    Shettima, who was represented by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the book captured the spirit of Diri’s leadership style, which he said was “refreshing, deliberate and deeply attuned to the oaths and aspirations of his people.”

    Hamzat, who also spoke on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that Diri’s stewardship in Bayelsa in about six years had been characterised by a rare blend of compassion and competence and demonstrated that meaningful progress could be achieved through dialogue, inclusiveness and relentless effort.

    “l congratulate Governor Douye Diri on this well-earned honour. This celebration is a testament to your unwavering service, examplary character and steadfastness to the principles of good governance. Bayelsa and Nigeria stand proud of your achievements and the inspiring values you uphold.

    “This book captures the spirit of his leadership, core values and courage that define his path. It reminds us that leadership is not about self- aggrandisement but about the lasting impact we forge through lifting our communities and fostering peace and creating opportunities where none existed. It is more than a tribute in leadership transformation that he brings to the lives of his people.”

    Shettima expressed the hope that the book would serve as a beacon to inspire leadership across the country to lead compassionately and courageously.

    The keynote speaker and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described Diri as a great Nigerian,

    who has demonstrated in spirit and in letter the essence of leadership.

    Mutfwang congratulated the Vice Chancellor and UNILAG Consult for documenting Diri’s achievements, which he described as a befitting and prestigious honour.  

    According to him, the Bayelsa governor has demonstrated quality leadership in virtually every facet of development, particularly in areas of education, healthcare delivery, security and the ongoing effort to light up the state through its independent power project.

    He equally stressed the need for Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and the South South to unite and foster peace and development in the region.

    Read Also: Diri: I joined APC to stop Bayelsa from being buried with PDP

    “Several people have had the opportunity to be in leadership and have been forgotten. But l know that when Governor Diri vacates the scene, the drums will still be beating.”

    In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said the book provided an opportunity to examine ideas, experiences and reflections of a leader serving in one of Nigeria’s most complex and dynamic regions.

    She noted that the Bayelsa governor’s public life offered valuable insights into governance, conflict management and search for peace and development in the Niger Delta.

    Ogunsola said the professorial chair in honour of Diri aligned with the institution’s mission to be a global centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.

    She commended the Bayelsa governor for investing in knowledge as it was one of the most enduring contributions any public servant can make to society.

    Responding, Governor Diri said the honour would spur him and his team to work harder in service of the state.

    He noted that the recognition was not only for him but was for the entire Bayelsa, and expressed appreciation to the VC, the institution’s management and the editorial team for acknowledging and compiling his administration’s achievements.

    “Those in positions of authority must be accountable to the people and earn their trust without which confidence in governance will inevitably wane. It is in that spirit that l accept this book, which seeks to honour not only me but the entirety of Bayelsa State.

    “I accept to support the professorial chair and encourage scholarship that would be beneficial not only to Bayelsa State but also to Nigeria.”

    The book was reviewed by veteran journalist and anchor of the programme, Journalists Hangout, on Television Continental (TVC), Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

    More than one billion naira was pledged at the event as donations by national and state assembly members, government agencies, corporate organisations, members of the state executive council, local governments, private individuals and youth bodies among others.

    Dignitaries at the well-attended event included serving and former national and state assembly members as well as Senator Sunday Katung representing Kaduna South, the immediate past deputy governor and chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd). 

    Also present were the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, Chairman/CEO of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, who was the chief launcher, CEO of Pelfaco Limited, Chief Gesi Asamaowei, CEO of Century Energy, Mr Ken Etete as well as the Managing Director, Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare, and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.

    Others were the chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, former All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, Managing Director, Monimichelle Construction Limited, Mr. Ebi Egbe as well as the Ijaw Ladies Association and various Niger Delta and Ijaw groups based in Lagos.

  • Anambra Poll: Oyo APGA prays for Soludo’s victory

    Anambra Poll: Oyo APGA prays for Soludo’s victory

    The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Oyo State has wished Anambra Governor Charles Soludo victory as he seeks re-election in tomorrow’s November 8 governorship poll. 

    Speaking in Ibadan at a prayer organised to support Soludo’s candidacy, former APGA gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Comrade Adeshina Adewale (Excel), emphasised the party’s confidence in Soludo’s.

    Adeshina highlighted what he described as Soludo’s remarkable achievements since taking office.

    Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, is running for a second term under APGA’s banner.

    Read Also: IGP lauds Lagos police, vows smooth Anambra polls, festive security

    Adeshina said the prayer gathering was to invoke peace in Anambra State before, during, and after the election. 

    He said: “We pray for calm, transparency, and credible results that reflect the will of ndi Anambra.

    He urged Anambra residents to reject violence or electoral malfeasance but embrace peace.

    The gathering also prayed for APGA BOT member, Deacon Samson Olalere, APGA National Vice Chairman, (Southwest), Chief Suraj Owolabi, and Alhaji Lasisi among others.

  • PDP faction’s protest at US Embassy shameful – Fayose

    PDP faction’s protest at US Embassy shameful – Fayose

    Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose has described Thursday’s protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as shameful.

    Fayose said it is the last kick of a dead National Working Committee (NWC) of tax collectors.

    He said rather than going to the US Embassy in Abuja to carry placards, “the suspended National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and co-travellers should have traveled to Washington to go and protest in front of the White House”.

    In a statement on Thursday, Fayose wondered how it has become the duty of the US and other European countries to help fix a political party in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Gov Buni presents N515.6bn budget for 2026 to Yobe assembly

    He asked if it was the fault of anyone that: “Damagum and his gang of political undertakers” refused to act in accordance with the constitution of the PDP.

    “The court ruled last Friday that PDP must conclude some processes, including outstanding State Congress before holding any National Convention.

    “Rather than coming back home to take proper stock and bring all stakeholders together; “they chose to announce the suspension of major members of the NWC, including the National Secretary, who’s the only person authorized to issue notice of meetings.

    “Before then, they went to court to throw punches over legal representation of the party, despite that it is clearly stated in the constitution of the party that it is only the National Legal Adviser that has powers to represent or appoint lawyers to represent the party in court cases.

    “So, how is the consequences of their impunity the business the US or anyone?”

  • Court to rule November 11 on Lamido’s request to stop PDP convention

    Court to rule November 11 on Lamido’s request to stop PDP convention

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled ruling for November 11 on a motion by former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention.

    Justice Peter Lifu chose the date on Thursday after lawyers to parties made their final submissions both in favour and against the motion.

    The court had, in a ruling on October 31 declined to grant a motion ex-parte filed by Lamido for an interim order, stopping the convention pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed with it.

    Instead, the court ordered that the defendants be put on notice for them to appear and show cause why the interim injunction, as sought by Lamido should not be granted.

    Listed as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025. are the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    At the resumption of proceedings on Thursday, Lamido’s lawyer,  Jeph Njikonye (SAN) recalled that the court had ordered the defendants to show cause why his client’s request should not be granted.

    PDP’s lawyer, Omokayode Dada, (SAN) and that of INEC, Adamu Bello said they complied with the court order by separate affidavits as required, which they served on the plaintiff.

    In his submission, Dada faulted Lamido’s claim that he was denied the opportunity to purchase PDP’s nomination form.

    Dada queried the court’s  jurisdiction to hear the case which, he claimed relates to the internal affairs of the party.

    Read Also: PDP State Chairmen back Damagun-led NWC

    He urged the court to dismiss the suit.

    In its affidavit, the PDP stated that the days fixed by its National Working Committee (NWC) for the purchase of nomination form for all aspirants for national elective positions in the convention expired before October 27 when Lamido visited the party’s national headquarters.

    It said the party’s leadership had earlier approved the timetable and schedule of activity for the year 2025 elective national convention.

    The party said the timetable and schedule of activities were between September 3 and 30, adding that all its members are bound by it constitution, guidelines, notices and it decisions.

    The PDP denied violating any of the provisions of the its constitution and guidelines as well as the rights of any aspirant.

    Bello prayed the court to refuse Lamido’s prayers, noting that the reliefs sought against his client in the motion were the same as prayers in Lamido’s originating summons pending before the court.

    He argued that granting the interim or interlocutory injunction sought would amount to prejudging the substantive issues in the suit.

    Bello added that the plaintiff’s motion amounted to  an invitation to the court to interfere in the domestic affairs of a political party.

    INEC, in the affidavit, said that a court of record should not dabble into a political question which remains the exclusive preserve of political parties which should be allowed to do their things.

    On his part, Njikonye urged the court to refuse the defendants’ prayer for the rejection of his client’s request.

    He argued that INEC, which ought to be unbiased, could not be seen  crying more than the bereaved.

    The plaintiff’s lawyer added: “The second defendant (INEC) should be independent. It should be an umpire in conduct,” adding that INEC could not afford to act like a political party.

    He said it was within the powers of the court to make the proper orders in the case.

    Earlier, the court granted the request by three officials of the PDP to be made parties in the case.

    Those who sought to be made part of the case are Hon Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman); Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman) and Hon Turnah George (said to be PDP Secretary, South-South geo-political zone).

    Justice Lifu granted an order joining the three after their lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) moved a motion to that effect.

    Daudu told the court, while moving the motion, informed the court that his clients were the plaintiffs in the suit in which another judge of the Abuja division of the court, Justice James Omotosho  delivered a judgment on October 31, restraining INEC from recognising the PDP’s national convention planned for November 15 and 16.

  • PDP State Chairmen back Damagun-led NWC

    PDP State Chairmen back Damagun-led NWC

    State Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have dissociated themselves from the leadership of the Abdulrahaman Mohammed-led faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). 

    Rising from their meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairmen expressed unalloyed loyalty to the leadership of the Damagun-led executives while asking delegates to the party convention in Ibadan to begin preparing for the event. 

    In a communique at the end of their meeting signed by the Forum Chairman and Chairman of the party in Edo state, Tony Aziegbemi, and Forum secretary and Chairman of the party in Edo state, Edward Masha, the Chairmen reaffirm unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and electoral success of the PDP across all levels. 

    They pledge to continue working closely with the National leadership to strengthen internal democracy and rebuild public confidence in the Party.

    The communique reads: ‘The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened a crucial meeting today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, with twenty-nine (29) State Chairmen in attendance. After exhaustive deliberations on key issues affecting the Party, the Forum reached the following resolutions. 

    “The Forum unequivocally reaffirms its total support, confidence, and loyalty to the National Chairman of our great Party, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC).

    Read Also: Anyanwu camp appeals ex parte order allowing PDP convention

    ‘The Forum applauds the courageous and well-considered judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Akintola, which has paved the way for the conduct of the forthcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    “The Forum urges all delegates, as duly recognized and provided for in the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), to begin preparations in earnest to participate in the convention and to elect credible, competent, and loyal men and women into the National Working Committee.

    “The Forum commends the effective and collaborative leadership being provided by the National Working Committee under Ambassador Umar Damagun, the PDP Governors’ Forum under His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees (BOT) under His Excellency Senator Adolphus Wabara. 

    “The Forum notes that this synergy has contributed immensely to stabilizing and repositioning the Party.

    “The Forum emphasises the critical importance of discipline within the Party and calls on all State Chapters not to hesitate in invoking the relevant provisions of the Party Constitution to discipline erring members whose conduct undermines unity, cohesion, and the collective interest of the PDP.

    “The Forum reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and electoral success of the PDP across all levels and pledges to continue working closely with the National leadership to strengthen internal democracy and rebuild public confidence in the Party.

    “The forum in the same vein dissociates itself from the purported Abdurahman leadership and wants to categorically say that the PDP has only one National Chairman, His Excellency Umar Damagun

    “It is to reaffirm this solidarity that our colleagues from North Central are with us here In support of all organs of PDP.”

  • EU deploys 687 observers to monitor Anambra Gov election

    EU deploys 687 observers to monitor Anambra Gov election

    The European Union has deployed 687 observers to monitor Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra state.

    The organisation reaffirmed commitment to credible, peaceful, and inclusive electoral processes in Nigeria through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.

    It explained that through the EU-SDGN) programme, it is enabling its civil society partners to deploy election observers, strengthen peacebuilding, advance disability and gender inclusion, counter misinformation, and reinforce public confidence in the democratic process.

    Seven of the 16 EU-SDGN implementing partners, including The Kukah Centre, Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa, are already on ground in Anambra State.

    The EU explained that these partners are operating from a Unified Election Observation Hub designed to ensure coherence, message alignment, and shared visibility throughout the poll.

    “The key feature of this unified deployment is to obtain a broad view of the election by utilising the diverse skills and experience of the EU-SDGN partners, analyse the findings, and compile them into a comprehensive report that will be made public and available to all stakeholders.

    “In total, the programme is deploying 687 observers across Anambra State, working in coordinated clusters that cover election integrity, disability inclusion, gender participation, peacebuilding, media and misinformation tracking, logistics observation, and real-time data reporting,” the EU cohort said.

    It added: “This is one of the most extensive civil society-led observer deployments ever recorded for a state election in Nigeria. Each cluster is collecting evidence from a different angle. When those findings are merged, they offer a fuller, verifiable picture of the election that no single organisation could produce alone.

    “The observers are distributed across several thematic areas, including election integrity and results verification; disability inclusion with trained observers and stand-alone sign language interpreters; gender participation with observers tracking women-related issues; media and misinformation tracking through journalists and fact-checkers deployed across polling locations; peacebuilding and conflict prevention; and the monitoring of polling logistics and the distribution of sensitive election materials.

    “This election is an opportunity to demonstrate that inclusion and credibility are shared democratic standards. Working from a single hub enables us to coordinate evidence, avoid duplication, and deliver a unified assessment of the process.”

    Earlier this week, the EU-SDGN programme supported the signing of the Anambra Election Peace Accord involving all candidates and political parties.

    Read Also: Anambra: Obi seeks credible election, kicks against vote-buying

    “The Peace Accord is not the conclusion, but the beginning of responsibility. Candidates must not only sign for peace, but act peacefully and respect the will of the voters, the EU cohort stated.

    According to the cohort, ahead of the governorship election, the EU-SDGN programme also presented a Joint Pre-Election Assessment Report.

    The report analysed the political climate, security risks, media environment, and levels of gender and disability inclusion, and offered 66 actionable recommendations to strengthen electoral credibility, voter access, and institutional preparedness.

    The EU-SDGN is an EU-funded Nigerian civil society-led programme working to strengthen credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections across the country.

    “The Kukah Centre leads on peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue; Yiaga Africa anchors election observation and data-driven civic participation; IPC and CEMESO strengthen media professionalism and safety while advancing media monitoring and counter-misinformation efforts; the NWTF and ElectHER drive women’s political inclusion and leadership, promoting greater representation of young women in elective office; while TAF Africa champions disability rights and inclusive electoral participation for persons with disabilities,” it added.