A coalition of accredited election observers has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparedness ahead of the Anambra governorship election. Comprising more than 350 observers deployed across the state, the coalition expressed satisfaction with INEC’s distribution of non‑sensitive materials, describing the process as transparent and indicative of the commission’s commitment to a free, fair, and credible election.
The observers, who have been evaluating INEC’s readiness and that of key stakeholders, also lauded the efforts of security agencies and the state government in restoring security to areas previously under criminal control. They commended Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and members of the Inter‑Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for deploying over 60,000 security personnel to ensure a peaceful exercise.
The coalition urged political actors to respect the peace accord and to maintain issue‑based engagement, demonstrating maturity, tolerance, and discipline throughout the process. It called on security agencies to enforce movement restrictions on election day and to intensify clearance operations in identified flashpoints to prevent any security breaches.
Furthermore, the observers cautioned against vote‑buying, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take decisive action against perpetrators. “The EFCC and security agencies should fight against vote‑buying, which undermines democracy and erodes public confidence in the process,” said Sarki Danjuma, Chairman of the Initiative for Promotion and Civic Obligation for Sustainable Peace.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible polls and the principle of “one man, one vote” enshrined in Section 53(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the coalition highlighted that the election, scheduled for Saturday, benefits from INEC’s preparedness and the robust security arrangements. The outcome will be closely watched, and the coalition’s observations will play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the process.
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