Peaceful Atmosphere Prevails as Anambra Votes
As voters across Anambra State participate in the crucial 2025 governorship election, civil society organizations have voiced strong confidence in the peaceful conduct of the electoral process despite the substantial presence of security personnel throughout the state.
Jake Epelle, the Founder of TAF Africa, confirmed during an election monitoring exercise that the general environment in Anambra remains calm, with residents demonstrating both restraint and determination to safeguard their communities.
"The security situation is not something to worry much about," Epelle stated in a Channels TV report. "The Anambra people are peace-loving. Everyone wants to ensure they don't shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves."
Security Presence: A Double-Edged Sword
While acknowledging the importance of security deployment, Epelle cautioned that the large number of security agents should be managed carefully to prevent unintended tension. He emphasized that security personnel must avoid becoming the very problem they're meant to prevent.
The civil society leader revealed that representatives had met with police officials during a pre-election town hall meeting, where officers committed to maintaining neutrality throughout the electoral process.
"They assured us they will not be partisan because problems arise when the opposition perceives compromise, and that's when skirmishes begin," Epelle explained. "They must conduct themselves honourably and adhere strictly to their brief."
Despite recognizing the professionalism of security operatives on the ground, Epelle expressed mild concern about potential interference from higher-ranking officials at headquarters, warning that such actions could create unnecessary disruptions during voting.
INEC Deployment and Voting Commencement
Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were observed deploying election materials to polling stations in Awka South Local Government Area early Saturday morning. At St. Matthew Catholic Church, INEC staff boarded buses destined for various polling units, while ad hoc personnel gathered at Community Primary School, Amawbia, covering Wards 01 and 02, before departing at 7:07 a.m.
The governorship election in Anambra State officially began at 8:30 a.m. at Udeozo Primary School in Awka South Local Government Area. INEC officials started accreditation at three polling units precisely at 8:30 a.m., with a modest number of voters present initially.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, reassured residents of a smooth and secure electoral exercise. He confirmed that clearance operations had been conducted in identified flashpoints, including Ihiala, and that "major threats had been neutralised."
Voter Sentiment and Electoral Landscape
While the voting process proceeded under mango trees at some locations, contrasting scenes emerged as young men played football on the school pitch. Some expressed disillusionment with the electoral process, with one young man named Sunday stating: "Our votes have not counted in the past. So what is the essence of voting today?"
However, 79-year-old Ogbodo, among the early voters at approximately 8:55 a.m., described the process as "smooth" and expressed hope that it would continue peacefully throughout the day.
Epelle urged voters to overcome apathy and participate in large numbers, emphasizing that "This election is about the people of Anambra deciding their future. We must overcome apathy and ensure our voices are heard."
Anambra State has 2,802,790 registered voters spread across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas. The election features sixteen candidates, including prominent contenders such as Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Security agencies have reinforced border surveillance across the three senatorial districts to ensure proper monitoring of movement into the state during the election period.
