Barely 48 hours to the 2025 Anambra governorship election, the European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, held a pre-election briefing on the preparedness of INEC, security agencies, and other institutions towards delivering a credible poll.
Briefing journalists on Thursday in Awka, the state capital, EU-SDGN civil society partner, Yiaga Africa, said the move is to keep Nigerians abreast of what is happening in the state.
The Chairperson of the 2025 Anambra Election Mission, Dr Asmau Maikudi of Yiaga Africa, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen oversight of election logistics and deployment.
She said: “Ensure strict supervision of the deployment of personnel and materials by holding transport companies accountable for their contractual obligations.”
The Commission was also urged to clarify polling unit consolidation arrangements in Ihiala Local Government Area, where voting has been merged due to security challenges.
According to her, timely and detailed information will help prevent voter confusion and disenfranchisement.
While calling for strict enforcement of BVAS and IReV compliance, she emphasised the need for full voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and timely upload of polling unit results (Form EC8A) to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. She added that any violations should attract sanctions as prescribed by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
Security agencies were also asked to uphold neutrality and professionalism by operating without political bias and providing adequate protection to INEC officials to ensure early deployment of election personnel and materials.
She further cautioned against the involvement of non-statutory security groups such as vigilante outfits in election duties, warning that such practices could erode public trust.
Calling for a strategic, intelligence-led deployment of security personnel to identified hotspots to deter violence and build voter confidence, she said: “Proactively identify and arrest all individuals involved in vote buying on election day.”
For political parties, EU-SDGN reminded them of their commitment to the Peace Accord, urging them to refrain from violent rhetoric and vote buying, and to comply fully with electoral laws and guidelines.
Civil society organisations and the media were also urged to intensify voter education and public awareness on electoral procedures and the prevention of malpractice. The media was further encouraged to combat disinformation and election-related falsehoods that could undermine public confidence in the process.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting credible and peaceful elections in Anambra State, the EU-SDGN noted that its expectation is for the process not to be manipulated.
“Every actor in the electoral process must uphold integrity, transparency and professionalism. The credibility of the Anambra election will depend on the commitment of institutions and citizens alike.”
