Observers Commend INEC’s Readiness and Call for EFCC Action Against Vote Buying in Anambra Election
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated
governorship election in Anambra State, a coalition of accredited election
observers has publicly praised the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) for its thorough and transparent preparations.
At a press conference held in Awka on Friday, November 7, 2025, the observers expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election, citing the timely and transparent distribution of non-sensitive materials as a key indicator of the Commission’s commitment.
Mr. Augustine Okafor, Coordinator of the
Grassroot Development Centre for Peace and Social Justice, spoke on behalf of
the coalition, revealing that over 350 observers had been deployed across the
state to monitor the electoral process. He noted that the observers had been
assessing INEC’s logistical readiness and the involvement of key stakeholders,
and were satisfied with the progress made.
Okafor emphasized that the peaceful political
atmosphere in Anambra, coupled with the absence of major incidents of thuggery
or violence during campaigns, bodes well for the integrity of the election.
Security arrangements were also lauded, with
particular commendation directed at the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode
Egbetokun, and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
Their deployment of more than 60,000 security
personnel across the state was described as a decisive move to ensure a
peaceful and orderly electoral exercise. Okafor urged political actors to
uphold the peace accord and engage in issue-based campaigns, stressing the
importance of maturity, tolerance, and discipline throughout the process.
However, the coalition did not shy away from
addressing the persistent challenge of vote buying. Mr. Sarki Danjuma, Chairman
of the Initiative for Promotion and Civic Obligation for Sustainable Peace,
issued a stern warning against the practice, calling on the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take decisive action against
perpetrators.
Danjuma argued that vote buying undermines
democratic principles and erodes public trust in the electoral process. He
emphasized the need for security agencies to enforce movement restrictions on
election day and intensify clearance operations in identified flashpoints to
prevent any breaches.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to
credible elections and the principle of “one man, one vote,” as enshrined in
Section 53(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Their unified stance reflects a
broader civil society effort to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions and
ensure that the will of the people prevails in Anambra’s gubernatorial contest.
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