The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra election

  • Anambra election witnessed increased voter turnout, says KDI

    Anambra election witnessed increased voter turnout, says KDI

    The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has reported a significant improvement in voter participation in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a promising sign for Nigeria’s democracy.

    Presenting its post-election findings in Abuja, KDI Team Lead, Bukola Idowu, said the November 8 poll recorded a 21.34 percent voter turnout, more than double the 10.26 percent turnout in the 2021 election. 

    Idowu,  who addressed the press alongside Progamme Manager, Mercy Abiem and Head of Research and Strategy, Olufemi John Adebayo, said the sharp rise showed that more citizens were regaining trust in the electoral process.

    He noted that improved voter sensitisation, stronger security deployment, and greater transparency contributed to the outcome.

    KDI deployed 370 trained observers across 326 wards and monitored 1,153 polling units through its Election Day Data Room, he said.

    The group commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for uploading 98 percent of polling unit results on the IReV portal by midnight, which it said helped build confidence in the process. 

    READ ALSO: Major web outage hits X, Facebook, others amid widespread Cloudflare error

    It also reported that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed strongly, working efficiently in over 96 percent of polling units.

    However, the organisation raised concerns over late poll openings — with voting starting an average of 43 minutes behind schedule — alongside widespread vote buying and ballot secrecy violations recorded in all 326 wards. 

    Idowu said while the improvements were encouraging, Nigeria must tackle systemic issues such as weak enforcement, voter inducement and operational lapses.

    “This election shows voters are ready to participate,” he said, “but the system must do more to protect their choices and strengthen credibility.”

  • Anambra election: CP lauds residents, others for maintaining peace

    Anambra election: CP lauds residents, others for maintaining peace

    The Commissioner of Police (CP), Anambra Command, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended residents and community leaders for helping the police maintain peace in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday in Awka, by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

    Orutugu also expressed gratitude to sister security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and youth groups for assisting the police in sustainable peace and promoting communal harmony during the election.

    He acknowledged that the peace recorded across the state was made possible through the collective commitment of stakeholders including security agencies, INEC, traditional rulers, and youth groups, who worked closely with the police.

    The police commissioner said that such partnership greatly enhanced operational coordination and contributed immensely to the overall success of the command’s election security plan, which ensured that voters exercised their franchise in a safe and secured environment.

    He also commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience throughout the election period, and reaffirmed unwavering commitment to maintaining public order and protecting lives and property across the state.

    Read Also: Anambra Election: Eight local governments to decide Saturday’s governorship contest

    He further urged residents to continue to support the police and other security agencies in consolidating the gains of peace achieved during the elections.

    “You have to help us report any suspicious persons or activities capable of breaching the public peace,” Orutugu said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that before Saturday’s governorship election, the CP embarked on a state-wide security advocacy tour across communities in the state, engaging with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious bodies, and market unions.

    The advocacy centred on the need for peace, voter confidence and community partnership in achieving a violence-free election.

    (NAN)

  • Anambra Election: Eight local governments to decide Saturday’s governorship contest

    Anambra Election: Eight local governments to decide Saturday’s governorship contest

    All eyes are on Anambra State as voters head to the polls on Saturday to elect their next governor. The electorate will decide whether to return incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) or hand power to a challenger from another political party.

    Political analysts say eight local government areas with the highest number of registered voters are likely to determine the outcome of the fiercely contested race.

    Leading the pack is Idemili North, with 246,318 registered voters, followed closely by Awka South with 217,611. Ogbaru ranks third with 188,016, while Onitsha North follows with 183,647 registered voters.

    Others include Onitsha South, a cosmopolitan area with a large population of non-indigenes, and 168,575 registered voters; Ihiala, affected in recent years by insecurity linked to separatist activities, with 156,715 voters; and Aguata, Governor Soludo’s home local government, with 155,881 registered voters.

    At the lower end of the table are Anambra West and Dunukofia, with 71,332 and 83,580 registered voters, respectively.

    Interestingly, Soludo’s Aguata ranks eighth in voter population, while Anaocha, home of Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has 124,075 registered voters.

    Nnewi North, the base of LP governorship candidate George Moghalu, has 166,400 registered voters. Nearby Nnewi South, where Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hails from, have 102,907 voters.For Obi and Senator Uche Ekwunife, who once represented the Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia Federal Constituency, the contest will be interesting, as the three LGAs collectively account for 326,655 registered voters.

    READ ALSO: Few notable things about Olumo rock

    In Anambra North Senatorial District, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, is also seen as a factor to watch. Anambra East, which is home to both Chukwuma and Senator Tony Nwoye, has 110,482 registered voters.

    Nwoye, who currently represents Anambra North in the Senate on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), is expected to throw his weight behind his party’s governorship candidate in Saturday’s election. Other strategic areas in the district include Ayamelum, with 96,947 voters, Anambra West, with 71,332 voters, and Oyi, with 120,717 voters.

    With such a spread of voting power across key local government areas, Saturday’s election promises to be a true test of grassroots strength, party structure, and voter loyalty across the state.

  • Anambra election: Police fully prepared, fortified, says CP

    Anambra election: Police fully prepared, fortified, says CP

    The police are fully prepared and fortified for the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the Nov. 8 Governorship election in Anambra.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, made this known in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga on Sunday in Awka.

    ”All tactical units, intelligence teams, and patrol formations are on heightened alert, with adequate logistics and coordination with sister security agencies in place.“We are fully prepared and fortified for the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the election,”  he said at the end of his statewide engagement on election security with the officers and men in police formations across the state.

    Orutugu commended the officers for their dedication and discipline throughout the advocacy campaign, which covered all Area Commands and Divisions in the state.

    He emphasised the importance of neutrality, professionalism, and respect for human rights by the police personnel during election duties

    The CP urged the officers and men to maintain vigilance, demonstrate courage, and uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring that peace and order prevails throughout the electoral process.

    Read Also: Anambra election: INEC extends collection of PVC to Nov. 2

    He also used the opportunity to encourage members of the public to remain law-abiding and security-conscious.

    Orutugu assured residents that the police would continue to collaborate with communities and stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful and credible election.

    NAN reports that in the last 20 days, the Anambra State Police Command initiated what it described as a “peaceful dialogue” with various security stakeholders, local government chairpersons, and traditional leaders to ensure a free and safe governorship election.

    The engagements, which took off in Njikoka on Oct. 14 and subsequently moved to the Aguata, Otuocha, Ogidi and Ihiala areas of the state, have reportedly touched flashpoints and were aimed at sensitising the residents on the need for peace and safety during the election.

    (NAN)

  • Anambra election: Princeton President, Dr Echem, tasks ANSIEC board on credible LG polls

    Anambra election: Princeton President, Dr Echem, tasks ANSIEC board on credible LG polls

    The President of Princeton Leadership Forum Africa, Dr. Prince Chibuike Echem, has urged the newly inaugurated Board Members of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to ensure  credible local government electoral process to drive sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development of local communities in the State.

    Echem, also the founder of  Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation,  made the call in a statement on Thursday.

    Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Tuesday  inaugurated the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, with Genevieve Osakwe as the chairman.

    The inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, came after 10 years since the last local government election was conducted in the state.

    Terms of reference of the commission include to organize, undertake and supervise all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government councils in the state.

    According to Dr Echem, an illustrious son of Anambra state, the forthcoming local Government polls in state represents a significant milestone in its democratic journey and therefore should be conducted with utmost regard for tenets of democracy.

    While congratulating the board members, he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on their mandate and   charged them to render sterling service with integrity in line with the vision of the state governor.

    Read Also: Otti, Soludo, Diri ask youths to heed Tinubu’s call for dialogue

    “On behalf of my family and Global Members of the Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new Board of the ANSIEC. Your appointment underscores a testament to your professional credentials and commitment to high ethical standards for public service and an accountable democratic process.

    “As you embark on this pivotal role, it is important to state the responsibilities ahead of the commission. The upcoming local Government elections represent a significant moment in our state’s democratic journey.

    “The integrity of these elections will shape the future of public service and political leadership recruitment at the local levels, improve the quality of governance outcomes, and impact the lives of residents in Anambra State through the local government administration, which is the closest government to the people.

    “Accordingly, I urge the Chairman and Honourable Commissioners of ANSIEC to approach the sacred duties of their solemn mandate with unwavering commitment, diligence and dedication to high standards of public service excellence. The principles of inclusivity, electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and credibility must be the cornerstones of your operations.

    He addded that, “Governance at the local level is fundamental to our sustainable democracy and inclusive socioeconomic and infrastructure development of Anambra State. As the primary political leadership recruitment and inclusive grassroots governance gateway, the local government administration provides the much-needed platform where the needs and voices of Ndi Anambra are directly addressed, and where the principles of good governance are exemplified.

    According to  Echem, “By ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process, you contribute not only to the health of our democracy but also to the strength and progress of our communities.

    He added that ; “Together, let us work towards deepening the quality of governance at the local governments for the purposeful development of all Ndi Anambra. When Anambra LGAs develop, Anambra State as a whole Develops. Let’s Do It Together!”

  • Anambra poll: Tribunal dismisses petitions against Obiano

    The Anambra Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed two of the three petitions against the victory of Governor Willie Obiano in the November 18, 2017 election in the state.

    The tribunal affirmed Obiano’s victory in two separate unanimous judgments delivered by its chairman, Justice H.A. Olusiyi.

    Justice A.O. Ayoola and Justice Birnin Kudu were other members of the tribunal.

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were first and second respondents respectively.

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr. Chukwudi Obianaso and his Mega Progressive People Party (MPPP) counterpart, Ms Praise Okechukwu, had prayed the tribunal to nullify the governorship election.

    Obianaso had said in his petition the election should be nullified because it was marred with irregularities perpetrated by Obiano and his agents in connivance with INEC.

    “INEC should conduct a fresh election and Obiano be disqualified from the fresh election,’’ he said.

    In her petition, the MPPP candidate said Obiano was not duly elected or returned by the majority of lawful votes cast and that the exercise did not comply substantially with the Electoral Act.

    “Obiano did not score the majority of valid votes cast in at least two-third of the 21 council areas in Anambra in the election; thus his return by the third respondent is unconstitutional, irregular, null and void and of no effect whatsoever,’’ Okechukwu said.

    The tribunal said Okechukwu could not substantiate her claims of electoral malpractice with credible evidence.

    It said those allegedly involved in vote-buying and polling units where the alleged corrupt practices took place were not mentioned, and that only one witness was not enough to testify on the claims.

    The tribunal said: “The petitioners have woefully failed to prove by any credible evidence that the first respondent was not duly elected or returned as governor of Anambra by the majority of lawful votes cast.

    “The petitioners have abysmally failed to prove with any modicum of satisfaction that the election in question was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

    “On the whole, the petition failed as it patently lacks substance and merit, it is accordingly dismissed in its entirety, consequently we affirm as valid the election and return of the first respondent as governor of Anambra.”

    NAN

     

     

  • I’m sure of victory, says Obaze

    I’m sure of victory, says Obaze

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Oseloka Henry Obaze has cast his vote.

    He arrived at his poling unit in Ochuche Umuodi in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) at 1.32pm.

    He was immediately accredited without hitches and cast his vote at about 1.40pm.

    He said he was confident of winning the election after casting his ballot at Unit 001, Central School, Ochuche Omuodo in Ogbaru.

    “I ran hard for this campaign. I ran hard to win. I’m confident that if our people have voted and there are no tampering with the process and there are no illegalities in the balloting and coalition, at the end of the day we’re confident of winning this election,” he said after voting.

    Shouts of “OHO!!!”  “OHO!!!”, the initials of his name, rent the air as his supporters welcomed him to the unit.

    Some called him “our governor” as accompanied by wife, he smiled and waved to the villagers, observers and journalists.

    Before his arrival, there were doubts as to whether he would not vote as information filtered in that other candidates had voted.

    Journalists had been waiting for his arrival since 10am.

    He said: “I chose to vote towards the end rather voting early. I’ve been busy monitoring the situation in the state. There seems to be a low voter turnout. I don’t know why.

    “You can explain low voter turnout in the city because people might have travelled to their villages to vote. But in the villages I can’t explain the low turnout.

    “I heard that in Okpoko and Umudim in Nnewi there were no voting going on. By and large the feedback I get is that everything has been peaceful which is very gratifying.”

    Obaze said he heard about allegations of multiple thumb printing Okacha and Amaobia, but that reports were being compiled.

    He said he would come to a conclusion about the election’s credibility when he gets reports of both local and international observers and party agents.

    “I have always said federal agencies have a responsibility to meet their obligation. I’m not questioning anybody yet. I know the ruling party will be inclined to see that their candidate wins, but I cannot derogate the Federal Government to say they are biased,” he said.

  • Voting materials yet to arrive Umuchu ward 1

    Voting materials yet to arrive Umuchu ward 1

    As at 12.30pm, when The Nation called  at polling unit 001, Civic Centre, Ward 1, Umuchu, where the governorship candidate of the PPA, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, is registered to vote, voting materials had not arrived and there was no INEC official on ground. Whereas voting started at 11am at the unit next to his.

    Ezeemo expressed frustration over this development, saying it is a deliberate attempt to deny his supporters the opportunity to vote.

    He said: ”I am not desperate to be governor, but I’m worried about way we are treating ourselves. I’m worried about this nation. The ruling class wants to impoverish this nation.

    “Black people are not naturally liked. They are treating our people as if they are idiots. It is a vicious cycle, in my life time I don’t see anything happening in our country. I will wait until 2pm, if they don’t show up, I will go home.”

  • More voters turn out in Obaze’s unit

    More voters turn out in Obaze’s unit

    More voters are turning out in Unit 14 in Ogbaro where People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Oseloka Obaze expected to vote.

    An All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) agent Enebeli Augustine said the process has been peaceful.

    “I have not seen anyone harassed or intimidated,” he said at about 11am.

    A 76-year-old farmer Patrick Ogbune said he voted for his brother Obaze.

    “Oseloka is my brother and I want him to win. If he wins, he must make Ogbaru a better place,” he said.

    Another voter, Ifeanyichukwu Nzekwe, said Anambra deserves a good leader.

    “We want a leader that will bring us out of darkness. Everything has been going on peacefully in the ward,” he said.

     

  • Elderly man arrested at Amawbia

    An elderly man has been arrested at the Community Primary School Amawbia, sharing money to prospective voters from Ghana must go sack. INEC commissioner Chief Solomon Soyebi who witnessed the incident said he will be dealt with.

    Soyebi agreed that the process started slowly but that it has picked up.