Anambra guber poll: CDD warns of weak political competition, disinformation

Anambra Governorship Election 2025: CDD Raises Alarm Over Weak Political Competition and Disinformation

In the lead-up to the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa) has issued a comprehensive warning highlighting several critical challenges that could undermine the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Speaking from its Election Analysis Centre (EAC) in Awka, the CDD emphasized that despite a high Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate of 98.8% among the over 2.8 million registered voters, there are growing concerns about low voter turnout.

This election marks the first off-cycle poll under the leadership of the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and is seen as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience.

The CDD launched two key pre-election reports: “Anambra 2025: A Barometer of Party Fortunes, Federal Might and Personalities” and “Evaluating Disinformation Risks Ahead of the 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State.”

These reports underscore the fragility of institutional trust, citing logistical shortcomings during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the sluggish pace of judicial decisions affecting candidate eligibility. Such delays, the CDD argues, erode public confidence in the electoral process and weaken the legitimacy of the outcomes.

A major concern raised by the CDD is the internal disarray within Nigeria’s major political parties, which has significantly hampered voter mobilization and reduced the overall competitiveness of the election.

The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the incumbent governor are reported to enjoy disproportionate visibility and structural advantages.

The CDD criticized the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) for imposing a N50 million billboard permit fee, arguing that such a high cost restricts smaller parties from effectively campaigning, despite the N1 billion expenditure ceiling set by the Electoral Act 2022.

Security remains a pressing issue, particularly in volatile areas such as Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and border communities like Lilu, Azia, and Amorka. The CDD attributed potential voter suppression in these regions to weak oversight of vigilante groups and a history of violence. It called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and impartiality to ensure a peaceful and secure voting environment.

The information ecosystem in Anambra State is also under threat. The CDD identified seven major patterns of disinformation, including false narratives about security bias, the exploitation of religious sentiments, the weaponization of insecurity, and gender-based hate speech targeting female candidates.

In response, the organization has deployed 178 trained observers, 57 grassroots monitors known as “Soldiers of Mouth” to counter misinformation, and 30 mandate protection observers to report electoral irregularities in real time.

Another area of concern is the low representation of marginalized groups. Only two female candidates, both from minor parties, are contesting the election.

Additionally, the accessibility of polling units for persons with disabilities (PWDs) remains inadequate, raising questions about the inclusivity of the electoral process.

The CDD urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure neutrality and the efficient deployment of voting materials and BVAS technology.

It also called on political parties to refrain from vote-buying and maintain peaceful conduct, while encouraging the media and civil society to promote factual information and inclusivity. Citizens were urged to exercise their right to vote and contribute to a credible electoral outcome.

In conclusion, the CDD emphasized that the 2025 Anambra governorship election is more than a routine sub-national poll. It is a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic integrity, and all stakeholders must prioritize peace, transparency, and national interest to safeguard the future of the country’s electoral democracy.