The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) partners have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to impose strict penalties against vote-buying and other electoral offenses ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.
During a media briefing in Abuja, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), represented 16 civil society organizations (CSOs) and emphasized the need for stringent enforcement to restore citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. He urged INEC and security agencies to be proactive in detecting and apprehending offenders during campaigns and on election day.
The pre-election assessment report, covering developments from June to September 2025, highlighted the competitive political atmosphere in Anambra, with major contenders including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP). However, concerns were raised about insecurity, the misuse of vigilante groups, and the fragility of electoral infrastructure, particularly following violence during a recent by-election in August 2025.
The partners warned that ongoing voter apathy, vote-buying, and insecurity threaten electoral integrity in Anambra. They pointed out that voter turnout in the 2021 governorship election was a record low of 10.2%, the lowest in Nigeria’s electoral history. Without urgent measures to tackle these issues, participation in the upcoming election could decline further.
The assessment identified insecurity as a significant barrier to voter participation, citing reports of cult-related violence and kidnappings that instill fear among voters. It recommended excluding non-statutory security outfits from election duties and ensuring that police and security personnel remain neutral and professional.
While commending INEC for registering over 168,000 new voters, mostly women and young people, the report also raised concerns about operational issues, such as delays in polling unit openings and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
To enhance the electoral process, the partners called for improved logistics, timely delivery of election materials, and the establishment of a Media-Security Desk to ensure journalists can safely cover election activities. They also highlighted the need for gender-inclusive measures, noting the low representation of women in the upcoming election.
Overall, the EU-SDGN partners stressed the importance of enforcing electoral laws, improving coordination among security agencies, and launching voter education campaigns to combat vote-buying and misinformation. They concluded that the credibility of the Anambra election will be measured not only by the votes counted but by the inclusivity and safety of the process, urging all stakeholders to ensure that democracy in Nigeria remains credible and transparent.
