The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to credible, peaceful and inclusive electoral processes in Nigeria as it supports Saturday’s Anambra governorship election through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.
Through the programme, the EU is enabling its civil society partners to deploy election observers, strengthen peacebuilding, advance disability and gender inclusion, counter misinformation and reinforce public confidence in the democratic process.
Seven of the 16 EU-SDGN implementing partners, The Kukah Centre, YIAGA Africa, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER and TAF Africa, are already on ground in Anambra State. They are operating from a unified Election Observation Hub designed to ensure coherence, message alignment and shared visibility throughout the poll.
“This election is an opportunity to demonstrate that inclusion and credibility are shared democratic standards,” the cohort stated. “Working from a single hub enables us to coordinate evidence, avoid duplication and deliver a unified assessment of the process.”
A key feature of this support is disability inclusion. The EU-SDGN programme is deploying 150 trained observers focused on accessibility for persons with disabilities, along with 25 stand-alone sign language interpreters stationed at polling units with the highest number of registered deaf voters.
“For too long, people with disabilities have been expected to participate in elections under unequal conditions,” the cohort noted. “This deployment ensures that deaf voters are not left to figure out instructions at the polling unit. Democracy must speak in every language, including sign language.”
Observers will document INEC’s level of compliance in providing tools such as magnifying glasses, braille ballot guides, priority queues and ramps, as required under the Electoral Act and the National Disability Act.
Under the gender and youth inclusion component, the Nigeria Women Trust Fund and ElectHER have deployed more than 250 observers to track women’s participation as voters, party agents, candidates and polling officials.
“Our observers will document the barriers women face, from intimidation to limited access and representation,” the cohort stated. “The aim is not only to record exclusion but to provide evidence that will drive institutional reform after the election.”
On the election integrity front, 250 Watching the Vote observers are being deployed, supported by a real-time data centre now fully established in Awka. A first simulation exercise has already tested reporting speed, verification systems and misinformation response, while a second simulation is scheduled for 6 November.
“These simulations help us identify risks before election day,” the cohort explained. “Field data will be transmitted in real time, analysed by a dedicated team and shared transparently with citizens and the media.”
Watching the Vote observers will also monitor the distribution of sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria to local government offices on the eve of the election.
To counter misinformation and strengthen media integrity, more than 40 journalists and fact-checkers have also been deployed across the state.
“Election misinformation spreads faster than results,” the cohort added. “Our task is to ensure verified information reaches the public with equal speed. Citizens deserve facts, not fear or speculation.”
Earlier this week, the EU-SDGN programme supported the signing of the Anambra Election Peace Accord involving all candidates and political parties.
“The Peace Accord is not the conclusion but the beginning of responsibility,” the cohort affirmed. “Candidates must not only sign for peace but act peacefully and respect the will of the voters.”
The EU-SDGN is an EU-funded Nigerian civil society led programme working with civil society to strengthen credible, inclusive and peaceful elections across the country.
