A network of accredited observer groups has given positive marks to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for preparations ahead of the Anambra governorship election set for Saturday, the 8th of November, 2025.
At a media briefing on Thursday night in Awka, representatives of the coalition said residents across the state also appeared ready for the poll. They urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to go after anyone involved in vote buying.
Augustine Okafor, coordinator of the Grassroot Development Centre for Peace and Social Justice, and Sarki Danjuma, chairman of the Initiative for Promotion and Civic Obligation for Sustainable Peace, spoke for the coalition.
More than 350 observers have been sent to the 21 local government areas to evaluate the level of preparedness. According to the coalition, the readiness of all players in the process is encouraging.
The team will also track events on election day and monitor the conduct of voters after the polls.
Observers praised INEC for the early movement of non-sensitive materials, saying the transparent process showed readiness for a credible poll.
They also acknowledged security agencies and the state government for pushing back criminals in troubled areas. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security were praised for deploying over 60,000 personnel across the state.
A statement issued after the briefing called for peaceful behaviour from political actors and security operatives.
Part of the statement read: “Political actors should respect the peace accord and maintain issue-based engagement. They must demonstrate maturity, tolerance, and discipline throughout the process. Any form of violence or hate speech should not be tolerated, and severe sanctions should be meted out to violators.
“Security agencies should provide robust protection for voters, election officials, and materials, and should also ensure strict enforcement of movement restrictions on Election Day.
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“We call on security agencies to conduct clearance operations in identified flashpoints and maintain a strong presence in these areas to neutralise threats and apprehend potential troublemakers to forestall any security breach. “The political environment in Anambra State remains largely peaceful and conducive for a credible, free, and fair election. “Our observers have reported no significant incident of political thuggery or violence during campaign activities. “There is a level playing field, and the insistence by INEC and the security agencies against the ‘use of incumbency power to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate,’ as prohibited by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, is enhancing voter confidence and discouraging voter apathy,” the group said.
It added: “The security agencies and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should fight against vote-buying, which undermines democracy and erodes public confidence in the process.
“The principle of One Man, One Vote should be adhered to. We, the Coalition of INEC Accredited Observer Groups for Credible and Transparent Elections, stand firmly for the principle of ‘one man, one vote’ as enshrined in Section 53(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which states that ‘no voter shall vote for more than one candidate or record more than one vote.’
“We vehemently oppose any attempts to undermine this fundamental democratic principle of our nation.”