By Our Correspondent
Abuja, Oct. 15, ’25 (TNZ) Stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process have renewed commitment to ensuring a peaceful governorship election in Anambra State.
TheNewsZenith reports that the stakeholders made the pledge at a dialogue organised by the Nigeria Situation Room, a coalition of more than 100 civil society organisations, on Tuesday in Abuja.
They said they would achieve the commitment through collaboration among civil society groups, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Convener of the group, Mr Yunusa Ya’u, said the meeting aimed to “build a common understanding of the situation in the state and generate ideas on how elections can be conducted that would be free, fair, and acceptable to citizens”.
Ya’u expressed optimism that ongoing engagements among stakeholders would yield positive outcomes.
TheNewsZenith reports that Nigeria Situation Room is a coalition of civil society organisations dedicated to improving Nigeria’s electoral process.
“I don’t have fears; I have hopes. In the last few months, civil society organisations, security agencies, and INEC have been campaigning for peaceful elections.
“People in Anambra now understand that peace is crucial, you can’t have credible elections in a context of violence,” he said.
He added that security operatives have laid groundwork to guarantee a secure atmosphere for voters.
“A lot of preparation and commitment have gone into ensuring that citizens can come out freely to vote without intimidation.
“While we can’t be 100 per cent sure that violence won’t occur, we are confident that our collective efforts will deliver a free and peaceful election,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
Ya’u said ongoing engagements with the National Assembly committees on electoral matters “are set to achieve a repeal and re-enactment of a new electoral act to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“There is no shortage of commitment in civil society to support electoral reforms and better elections for Nigeria.
“We all recognise that the 2027 elections is crucial, and we are determined to contribute ideas and solutions that will move the process forward,” he said.
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Speaking on security arrangements, Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, outlined detailed plans to safeguard the electoral process.
ACP Gius Ekuri, who represented Orutugu, said security agencies would deploy their men across the state for the election.
“From midnight before the election, we will close all entry routes into Anambra. Only INEC officials on duty will move freely. We will stop anyone attempting to infiltrate the state,” Ekuri added.
According to Ekuri, a “show of force” exercise will take place on Nov. 7 to deter troublemakers.
He noted that the Police would raid all identified black spots and protect polling units adequately to prevent ballot box snatching or disruption.
Assuring stakeholders of INEC’s readiness, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Queen Agwu, said the commission had completed training for all personnel and partner agencies.
She said ad-hoc staff training for the 21 local government areas would hold on Oct. 16, while civil society organisations are sensitising residents ahead of the election.
On the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Agwu said INEC has reserved 978 backup devices for wards and local governments.
“We have technical assistants stationed in the wards and local governments, so if any BVAS malfunctions, they can respond immediately.
“Sometimes when we train officials, they don’t pay attention. And pressing the wrong button can cause issues,” TheNewsZenith quoted Agwu as saying.
She urged citizens to approach the polls with sincerity and a renewed determination to ensure a free and fair process.
Representing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Dr Matthew Ayibakuro, commended the collaboration between civil society and security agencies.
Ayibakuro described it as “a strong model for transparent and inclusive elections”. (TNZ)
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