Anambra State goes to the polls tomorrow to elect a new governor, but the atmosphere remains charged with tension, uncertainty, and anxiety over security, possible vote buying, and the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible exercise.
Much of the apprehension surrounds the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who faces his first major national test since assuming office.
Stakeholders and observers are closely watching whether he can outperform his predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure was marred by controversies involving the late delivery of materials, BVAS malfunction, logistics breakdowns, and delayed result uploads during the 2023 general elections.
Naijaonpoint reports that Amupitan has promised transparency, timely deployment, and renewed discipline in election management.
However, his credibility hinges on how efficiently INEC handles logistics, ensures neutrality, manages security agencies, and curbs widespread vote buying.
Tomorrow’s governorship poll, they say, will reveal whether INEC has made real improvements or remains trapped in entrenched inefficiencies.
2.8 Million Voters, 16 Candidates, Massive Security Presence
Sixteen candidates from various political parties will vie for the top seat, with 2.8 million registered voters expected to participate across 5,720 polling units.
To forestall violence, no fewer than 60,000 security operatives have been deployed. These include personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Defence.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election operations, Abayomi Shogunle, confirmed that the police alone deployed 45,000 officers, along with drones, helicopters, tactical teams, and intelligence units.
Shogunle said the deployment should not be interpreted as intimidation.
“The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit.
“We assure the people of Anambra that the election will be free, fair, transparent and devoid of intimidation,” he stated.
The decision to bar the state-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, from participating in the exercise has generated mixed reactions.
Opposition parties accuse the state government of previously using the outfit to intimidate voters and influence outcomes, especially in rerun elections for the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha State Constituency seats, both won by APGA.
Rights Group Warns Against ‘War-Like Atmosphere’
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has warned security agencies against turning the state into a militarised zone.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and two human rights lawyers, Joy Igboeli and Chidimma Udegbunam, the group condemned what it termed “threats of fire and brimstone,” cautioning that such a posture may discourage voter turnout.
According to the organisation, the deployment of armoured tanks, explosives, and heavily armed personnel often creates a war-like environment.
The group said, “Security forces have often made voting environments hostile for vulnerable voters through militarisation and weaponisation of civic spaces. These so-called shows of force frighten voters and undermine democratic participation.”
Intersociety urged the police and military to adopt intelligence-driven, discreet, and non-intimidating operations to restore public confidence.
The rights group also expressed deep concern over the continuing decline in voter turnout in Anambra elections:
46% in 1999
25% in 2013
21% in 2017
10.5% in 2021
With 2.82 million registered voters and 2.5 million PVC holders for tomorrow’s exercise, the group warned that another low turnout could further weaken electoral legitimacy.
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