Insecurity Tops Concerns Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election – Yiaga Africa

As preparations heighten for Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has expressed concern over insecurity in some parts of the state, warning that the situation could disrupt the smooth deployment of election materials and officials.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Itodo identified riverine and high-risk areas as major flashpoints that require adequate security coverage.

“The second biggest issue ahead of the election relates to insecurity in some hot spots and riverine areas. If security agencies don’t provide protection for INEC officials and materials, deployment will be difficult,” he said.

The Yiaga chief urged close collaboration between security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

Despite these concerns, Itodo said he is optimistic that voter turnout will improve compared to the 2021 governorship election, which recorded only 20.1 percent participation.

He commended the new INEC leadership for its preparedness, saying:

“With the assurances from the new INEC chairman, we hope the commission breaks the jinx of late commencement.”

Police Assure of Full Security

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for election duty, Abayomi Shogunle, has assured voters of adequate security across all areas — including riverine communities.

He gave the assurance on Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Awka, where INEC officials collected sensitive election materials under the supervision of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Queen Agwu.

The collection process, though slightly delayed, was conducted in the presence of party agents, journalists, and observers.

INEC disclosed that 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas of the state. However, elections will not hold in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.

Sixteen Candidates in the Race

A total of 16 candidates are contesting the election, including:

• Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA)
• Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC)
• Paul Chukwuma (YPP)
• George Moghalu (Labour Party)
• Jude Ezenwafor (PDP)

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan reiterated the commission’s commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful elections, warning against vote-buying and electoral violence.