Cynthia Ezegwu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the November 8 Anambra State governorship election as a defining test of the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku said the off-cycle election was more than a routine poll, calling it a unique opportunity for voters to chart a new direction for the state.
He urged residents to support the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Nwosu Chima John, and his running mate, Nwobu Geoffrey Ndubisi.
“The Anambra State governorship election next weekend offers a unique opportunity to end the era of poor governance in the state and ensure that the ruling All Progressives Congress does not practice its notoriety of snatching and running away with the mandate of the people,” Atiku said.
He added that the election would also be a measure of INEC’s integrity. “It is an opportunity for the electoral umpire under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to prove to the world that it has turned a new page and that the integrity of our election would not be sacrificed for the satisfaction of the ruling party,” he said.
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Atiku encouraged registered voters to mobilise heavily for the ADC candidate, noting Anambra’s political significance in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, INEC recently declared the state fully prepared for the poll following a week-long readiness tour led by the National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Rhoda Gumus. The team assessed logistics, facilities, and security arrangements across Anambra. Other commissioners on the inspection team included Sam Olumekun, Kenneth Ukeagu, and Baba Bila.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in its candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu. At a campaign rally in Onitsha, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said his party’s candidate would emerge victorious.