The attention of Nigerians and indeed the international community will focus on Anambra State, as eligible voters in the state go out to cast their votes in one of the most important and decisive Governorship elections in Nigeria. This particular Governorship election is quite distinct because it will serve as a litmus test for the new Chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan and will somehow set the stage for preparations towards the 2027 presidential election.
Sixteen political parties and their candidates will battle for the top seat in the governorship election.
The November eight Governorship election in Anambra State is pregnant as it is the first major assignment of the new INEC Chairman during this critical period of the nation’s budding democratic process.
The challenges facing the new INEC Chairman are enormous and will require a high level of patriotism, courage and statesmanship to deliver a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
INEC had enough time to make adequate preparations to ensure that electoral materials are ready to get to various polling units and equipment well tested to avoid glitches and logistics problems.
He should provide a level playing ground for all the candidates and conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise without fear, intimidation or apprehension.
The outcome of the Anambra State governorship election will to some extent, shape next year’s area council elections in the FCT, Abuja, the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial polls and the 2027 Presidential election.
The success of Anambra State governorship polls will give Nigerians implicit confidence and trust in the nation electoral process and possibly reduce the go to court syndrome which has characterized the result of past elections in the country.
So, as the November eight governorship comes up tomorrow, all hands should be on deck to ensure fair, credible and transparent election. The Media should not to take sides but rather give accurate and unbiased information of events to the citizenry. Anything that should create unnecessary tension and erode public trust and confidence in the polls should be avoided.
The federal government on its part should provide enough security through out the duration of the governorship election to ensure smooth polls.
In addition, all stakeholders in Anambra State, including traditional institutions, civil society organizations and Churches should sustain enlightenment and sensitization of the people to participate actively in the exercise and ensure a hitch-free polls.
Eligible voters and youths especially, should shun vote buying and other electoral malpractices such as thuggery and snatching of ballot boxes, among others.
On its part, INEC should ensure that the Bio-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), functions effectively. It should also employ enough ad-hoc staff to serve eligible voters effectively.
There are high hopes that the Anambra State governorship elections will be free and fair if provisions of the electoral Act and guidelines are strictly followed.
It is important to stress that election is not a do or die affair and that one who did not win the November eight, 2025 election can still win in future elections. May the Almighty God choose who will be the next Governor of Anambra State.
