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Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition launches situation rooms ahead of Anambra governorship election

Fatimah QUADRI
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Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition launches situation rooms ahead of Anambra governorship election

THE Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition (NFC) has launched situation rooms ahead of the Anambra State governorship election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

This was made known in a statement by the coalition on Friday, November 7 2025.

According to the coalition, the situation rooms, located in Abuja and Lagos, will coordinate efforts to monitor, verify, and counter misinformation and disinformation that could trigger unrest, discourage voter participation, erode public trust, or influence the outcome of the election.

Operations will begin in Lagos and Abuja on Friday, November 7, continuing through Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Bamas Victoria, Acting Coordinator of the Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition (NFC) and Editor at The ICIR, emphasised the coalition’s vital role in combating misinformation in an era where false information can easily be weaponised. She commended the coalition’s efforts to promote media literacy and ensure a safer, more credible information space.

Commenting on the media literacy reports released by the NFC as part of its pre-election activities for the Anambra poll, she noted that the feedback so far underscores the importance of the coalition’s work.

“These reports, which were amplified by multiple media houses, had a real impact. Someone who read one of the articles on electoral offences told me they were not even aware of some of the issues highlighted in the report before reading it.

The NFC’s work helps enlighten citizens about the electoral process, thereby promoting civic participation. And for us to achieve good governance, we need an informed and active citizenry,” she said.

Bamas expressed confidence in the work that the NFC will do and its impact on this election.

David Ajikobi, Africa Check’s Nigerian editor, noted that the emergence of a new INEC leadership makes the upcoming election and the NFC’s role in it particularly significant.

“With the new leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other factors, we consider the Anambra state election significant. As a result, we as fact-checkers are paying close attention.

We are monitoring the media space, both online and offline, fact-checking and verifying the claims, and publishing reports to ensure the integrity of information surrounding the election,” Ajikobi highlighted.

Kemi Busari, DUBAWA Editor said the coalition aims to curb the spread and impact of election-related false information. He noted that misinformation has increasingly influenced recent elections and added that the NFC plans to counter such claims through coordinated fact-checking efforts during the Anambra poll.

“We’ve seen in recent years how election-related misinformation and disinformation significantly impact the process and outcome. We are trying to mitigate this by consolidating our resources to fact-check fraudulent claims during elections. We hope to do another solid job with the Anambra election,” he concluded.

Formed in June 2022, the coalition comprises three signatories of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)—Africa Check, The FactCheckHub, and DUBAWA—alongside other partners including the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (The ICIR), the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), FactsMatterNG, Digital Africa Research Lab, Round Check, WikkiTimes, and FactWatch.

The NFC debunked dozens of false information about Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and off-cycle state elections in Ondo and Edo, leveraging effective collaboration among researchers, fact-checkers, editors, data analysts, and social media specialists.

The coalition’s model has been adopted in other countries like Ghana and South Africa.

While the NFC monitors the electoral process, members of the public can send claims on WhatsApp – +234 903 078 5265.

UniAbuja gets 4th VC in one year

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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UniAbuja gets 4th VC in one year

THE Governing Council of the University of Abuja has appointed Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, a professor, as the new vice-chancellor of the institution.

The appointment was announced during the Council’s 80th Extraordinary Meeting held on Friday, November 7, and was approved under the leadership of Olanrewaju Tejuoso, a senator.

Tejuoso, the chairman of the 11th Governing Council of the university, said the appointment would take effect from Tuesday 10 February 2026, and would be for a non-renewable five-year tenure.

The institution revealed that the decision followed a rigorous selection process that had attracted calls for transparency and fairness from various stakeholders.

The ICIR reported that the university’s Alumni Association urged the Council to ensure a credible and merit-based process devoid of external interference.

It also noted that the Council had approved the extension of the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Mathew Adamu, till February 10, 2026. 

Recall that Adamu was first appointed on August 11, 2025, by the Federal Government, following leadership changes at several other federal universities, in a sweeping leadership overhaul.

In February, President Bola Tinubu sacked the school’s vice-chancellor, Aisha Sani Maikudi, a professor, who was newly appointed. He also dissolved the institution’s governing council

The president consequently appointed Lar Patricia Manko, another professor, as acting vice-chancellor of the university for a six-month term. 

Manko would not be eligible to apply for the permanent vice-chancellor position once the term expires, the president said.

The university’s governing council, chaired by Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, had on December 31,2024, announced Maikudi as the institution’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor.

The ICIR reports that the university has had three VCs in one year. The new VC is the fourth.

About the new VC

According to the institution, Fawehinmi is a professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology. 

He is well-rooted in the finest academic traditions and has a wealth of experience in institutional administration having been two-time Head of Department of Anatomy (2005 – 2007; 2007 – 2009), Associate Dean (2010 – 2012) and Dean (2012 – 2014) Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and two terms Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (2016 – 2020) of the University of Port Harcourt.

He has served in several statutory and ad–hoc committees and boards, attributes which the university said had equipped him with the requisite skills to provide leadership to a well-informed, articulate and growing academic community. 

He has been an active member of national and international professional associations where he served as Secretary-General and Member of National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State from 1999 to 2000, Editor–in–Chief of the Journal of Anatomical Sciences and President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014-2016). 

He has received many academic and community service awards and prizes, and he is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI). he is also a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS).

“Fawehinmi has over 100 articles in reputable peer reviewed mostly indexed journals, visible in conventional academic search engines and 37 conference abstracts, to his credit.”

He is married to Hadeezat O. a doctorate holder and lecturer at University of Port Harcourt. The family is blessed with five children. 

He is currently the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, a private University based in Asa, Abia State.

Anambra residents storm markets for foodstuffs amid palpable calm, hours to poll

Mustapha USMAN
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Anambra residents storm markets for foodstuffs amid palpable calm, hours to poll

DESPITE days of intense political campaigns and security concerns, a sense of calm now pervades Anambra State as residents prepare to elect their next governor on Saturday, November 8.

The ICIR reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, November 7, distributed sensitive materials across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, signaling the final phase of preparation for the poll.

The materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, were moved from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka under tight security, with officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) providing escort.

According to INEC data, 16 candidates from different political parties will contest in the election, including incumbent governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ukachukwu Nicholas (APC), Ezenwafor Jude (PDP), Moghalu Nnadubem (LP), and Geoffrey Onyejegbu (NNPP)

At least 10 of these candidates are from Anambra South Senatorial District, where major spotlight would be on Saturday.

Since the creation of Anambra State in 1976, APGA has remained its most dominant political force, producing the only two governors to complete two full terms — Peter Obi (2006–2014) and Willie Obiano (2014–2022).

The PDP and APC have alternated between second and third positions across election cycles, while smaller parties like the Labour Party (LP), United Progressive Party (UPP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP) have largely struggled to make headway.

The INEC data shows that 2,802,790 voters were registered, while 1,790,982 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected preparatory to the Saturday’s poll.

Initially, the election was meant to be conducted across 5,720 polling units and 326 political wards, there were no registered voters in two polling units, bringing the total of polling units where election will hold to 5,718.

Also, underlying fears about security and voter turnout continue to define the mood across communities.

Over 55,000 security deployed 

On Thursday, November 6, the state Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, announced that the number of security personnel, which was 45,000 before, would be increased to 55,000 or 60,000.

Police officers monitoring distribution of sensitive materials in Awka
Police officers monitoring distribution of sensitive materials in Awka

The officers were stationed across major cities and strategic locations, including major junctions, INEC offices and other government buildings in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.

Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were sighted moving around Aroma Junction and along Zik Avenue in Awka, while at the INEC headquarters, long rows of police vans and NSCDC trucks formed a visible ring of protection. Officers also carried out routine patrols around key facilities.

 

Some security personnel stationed at CBN, Awka branch
Some security personnel stationed at CBN, Awka branch

Despite the visible security presence, residents expressed fear of possible attacks in some areas. The ICIR reports that for years, security has long been a decisive factor in Anambra’s elections, with separatist agitations, cult clashes, and politically motivated killings shaping the outcome of the polls.

In 2021, several INEC facilities and police divisions were attacked by armed groups, including an assault on the B Division Police Station and the INEC office in Awka.

The attacks, which left parts of the facilities in flames, were among security breaches that heightened public anxiety during elections in the state.

In its final report on the 2021 governorship election, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room noted that while the election was largely peaceful, the months preceding it were plagued by violence, intimidation, and voter apathy.

While the state government insisted that violence has declined, some residents still cited killings and attacks by the “unknown gunmen” during the 2021 exercise.

Although the sit-at-home culture has dwindled, its fear still lingers.

Increasing voter apathy

Turnout has been significantly low over time in Anambra’s governorship elections, showing a deepening sense of voter apathy and mistrust in the political system.

The state saw voter participation declined from about 16 percent in 2010 to just 10 percent in 2021. The 2021 election, which brought Soludo to power, highlighted this troubling pattern.

Out of the 2,466,638 registered voters in Anambra in 2021, only 253,388 were accredited to vote. Ultimately, the total votes cast stood at 253,388, with 8,108 of them declared invalid. This indicated that barely 10 per cent of registered voters in the state participated in the election.

According to Premium Times analysis, only 1.02 million voted in the state in 1999 out of the 2.2 million registered voters, representing 46.4 per cent.

There was a slight increase in the voter’s turnout in the 2003 election, having registered 47.22 per cent turnout.

In the 2010 election, out of 1.84 million registered voters in Anambra, only 302,000 turned out to vote, representing roughly 16 per cent participation.

By 2013, voter turnout slightly improved, with 465,891 out of 1,770,127 registered voters casting their ballots. This was about 25 per cent of the electorate.

In 2017, out of the 2,064,134 residents registered as eligible voters for the election, only 448,711 – about 21 per cent cast their votes.

The decline could be attributed to deep-seated apathy rooted in mistrust of the system, poor governance outcomes, and persistent insecurity, according to reports.

Some analysts also cited intimidation, violence, and a lack of confidence in the fairness of elections as reasons for staying away from polling stations.

The rise of secessionist movements and sporadic attacks in the South-East also further heightened fears, discouraging turnout.

Residents react

A resident, Chisom Okeke, who lives in Awka, told The ICIR, “People are going about their businesses, but there’s anxiety. I will vote here in Ondoka, with the hope that there won’t be any violence or intimidation.” He added that there had been a heavy security presence in the state.

Okeke was among the several traders in Kwatta Market in Awka, where many residents crowded, making last-minute purchases ahead of the restriction of movement that usually accompanies election day. Stalls selling meat, fish, cow skin, and foodstuffs were surrounded by queues of buyers on Friday.

Residents and traders at Kwatta Market in Awka, purchasing meat ahead of Saturday’s election
Residents and traders at Kwatta Market in Awka, purchasing meat ahead of Saturday’s election

However, some residents expressed fears of possible tension or violence, saying they would stay indoors once voting begins.

“I just came out today as usual to do my POS business. I won’t need to step out tomorrow,” said Ifeanyi Nwafor, a POS vendor in Kwatta market.

“The election period in this area can be unpredictable. I won’t be voting because I don’t really trust the government.” Nwafor added.

INEC reassures on readiness

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, assured that all logistics had been completed and that the commission was committed to a credible process.

“Early in the morning, don’t forget that each LGA has their own RAC centres. In the morning as early as 6am, they will move to the polling unit to set up. Our election starts by 8:30 but we have mandated that by 7am, they will be there and set up fully so that the election will take place peacefully.

“That’s why we are here today. For everybody to see the sensitive materials which is the main material for election,” she stated while addressing journalists on Thursday.

Abia raises ‘corpers’ allowance from N4,000 to N50,000

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Abia raises ‘corpers’ allowance from N4,000 to N50,000

ABIA State Governor Alex Otti has raised monthly allowance of corps members serving in the state by as high as N50,000 from the current N4,000.

This was revealed in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, on Friday, November 7.

However, the approval is not across the board. Otti approved N20,000 for all corps members in the state. His government will also pay N10,000 to those serving in government’s institutions. Corps members serving in schools and hospitals will earn additional N30,000.

“In addition to the Federal Government’s increased monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000, all corps members serving in Abia State will now earn a base monthly allowance of ₦ 20,000, while those serving within State Government Establishments, and specifically Teaching/Medical personnel, will earn an additional discriminatory allowance of ₦10,000 and ₦30,000, respectively” Njoku said.

He noted that governor said that the decision was aimed at bridging the human capacity gap in critical sectors such as education and healthcare, while motivating young professionals to contribute to the state’s development.

“Governor Otti’s latest move sends a clear message: Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service is truly valued. This is a continuation of the state government’s unwavering support for the NYSC members serving in Abia State.

“The government, under the leadership of Governor Otti, is committed to making life easier for these corps members by supplementing their monthly allowance from the Federal Government,” Njoku noted.

He said the governor’s commitment to corps members wellbeing was beyond financial incentives, stressing that the administration had renovated the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area.

“From renovating the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende LGA to providing logistics and power infrastructure, the state government has consistently demonstrated its value for the contributions of corps members in its transformational journey. 

“Whether it’s fixing internal roads within the NYSC camp, installing power equipment, or upgrading dilapidated buildings, the governor’s Midas touch and hands-on approach is transforming the NYSC experience in Abia,” he said.

The ICIR reported that the Federal Government commenced the payment of N77,000 to corps members, nearly a year after the approval of the new minimum wage.

It is in this light that some state governments started increasing monthly allowance for NYSC members, fondly called corpers by many Nigerians. 

In August, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced an increase of the monthly allowance for the corpers serving in the state from N20,000 to N30,000.

Governorship Elections in Anambra State (1999-Present)

Editorial
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Governorship Elections in Anambra State (1999-Present)
Click on the button at the top to navigate through the election years.

Pre-election LIVE-CHECK: Tracking misinformation ahead of Anambra 2025

Editorial
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Pre-election LIVE-CHECK: Tracking misinformation ahead of Anambra 2025

AHEAD of the Anambra State 2025 Governorship Election slated for Saturday, November 8  our team of journalists, researchers, fact-checkers, social media monitors, editors, and OSINT experts are on ground at the Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition’s (NFC) Election Situation Rooms located in Lagos and Abuja, to debunk election-related misinformation and disinformation content targeted at causing voter apathy, inciting violence or influencing the outcome of gubernatorial poll.

Ahead of the Anambra State 2025 Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, our team of journalists, researchers, fact-checkers, social media monitors, editors, and OSINT experts is on the ground at the Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition’s Election Situation Rooms in Lagos and Abuja.

Our mission is to monitor and debunk election-related misinformation and disinformation aimed at causing voter apathy, inciting violence, or influencing the outcome of the gubernatorial poll.

Do you have an election-related claim you want us to fact-check?

Share with the NFC via WhatsApp here.

This page is constantly being updated with verified checks. 

CLAIM 8

No evidence, Anambra governor declared Friday public holiday for teachers to serve as delegates

CLAIM: An X user @mr_niceguy234 claimed Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared a public holiday on Friday, Nov 7, 2025, because teachers are to serve as delegates during the election. 

FINDINGS: News reports confirm that the Anambra state government had declared Friday, November 7, 2025, a public holiday for all workers in the state, not only teachers. In a statement, the state government said the directive was to encourage workers to actively participate in the elections. 

NFC sources, Mboho Eno of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, and Alfred Ajayi, a senior journalist in Awka, said the claim could not be substantiated.

“From interactions, there is no official evidence to back up the claim as of now,” Mboho told NFC.

Also, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Agwu, said she could not confirm the claim.

Further checks showed that the claimant has deleted the tweet.

SOURCES: TheCable Newspaper, Election observers, INEC REC

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Elizabeth Ogunbamowo

EDITORS: Lois Ugbede,  Motunrayo Joel, and Simbiat Bakare

CLAIM 7

Use the index finger to vote

CLAIM: A Facebook post urging votes for the Labour Party claims, “All you need is your voter’s card, index finger, and ballot paper,” with a graphic saying, “Use the index finger to vote.”)

FINDINGS: The 2023 election voting procedure document does not specify any finger for voting. Also, ahead of the 2019 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) addressed claims about which finger should be used for voting. In a tweet on February 12, 2019, INEC clarified: “A voter can use any finger to vote but must ensure the mark is clear and placed inside the box of the chosen political party without straying into another box.”

VERDICT: MISLEADING

SOURCE: INEC

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Allwell Okpi

EDITORS: Motunrayo Joel & Opeyemi Kehinde

CLAIM 6: 

Security uncovered plans by Ukachukwu Nicholas to disrupt Anambra Guber Polls 

CLAIM: A Facebook user claimed that security operatives in Anambra State have uncovered how Ukachukwu Nicholas, APC candidate in Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, planned to use fake police and thugs to disrupt polls in Nnewi South & North, Ihiala, and Onitsha South local government areas. 

FINDINGS: The Anambra State Police Command dismissed the allegation. Its spokesperson, Ikenga Anthony, refuted claims that APC candidate, Ukachukwu Nicholas, planned to use thugs or fake security agents to disrupt the election, stating, “There is no such thing happening here.” Further checks showed that several media outlets reported on Friday that robust security arrangements had been made to ensure a peaceful election in Anambra. For example, Channels Television noted the deployment of heavy security to escort election materials across LGAs, while The Punch reported tight security in Awka as residents prepared to vote on Saturday.

VERDICT: INCORRECT

SOURCES: Police, Channels TV and Punch newspaper 

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Idris Kamal Ibrahim 

EDITORS: Opeyemi Kehinde & Motunrayo Joel

 CLAIM 5: 

CLAIM A: An X user claims that Anambra’s voter turnout has hardly exceeded 22% in any election.

FINDINGS: An analysis by Premium Times of past Anambra voter turnout reveals that in the 1999 election, 1.02 million of the 2.2 million registered voters participated, representing a turnout of 46.4%. Similarly, the state recorded 47.22% turnout in the 2003 election. These findings also align with a recent report published by the Guardian newspaper. 

VERDICT: INCORRECT

SOURCES: Premium Times, Guardian newspaper.

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Sunday Awosoro.

EDITORS: Opeyemi Kehinde & Motunrayo Joel

CLAIM 4: APPROVED

There’ll be voting in 5,118 polling units out of the 5,200 in Anambra state. 

CLAIM: A Facebook user claims that the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election will be held in 5,118 out of 5,200 polling units in the state. 

FINDINGS: Multiple media reports quoted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, as saying, “the election will be held in 5,718 of the 5,720 Polling Units in the state. Voting will not take place in the remaining two Polling Units due to the absence of registered voters.”

VERDICT: INCORRECT

SOURCES: INEC, Thisday, Channels TV

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Allwell Okpi 

EDITORS: Opeyemi Kehinde & Simbiat Bakare

CLAIM 3

Soludo removes Arabic texts on Naira notes as CBN governor 

CLAIM: An X user asserts that Charles Soludo removed Arabic inscriptions on banknotes in Nigeria when he was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

FINDINGS: A review of multiple media reports shows that the Nigerian government removed the Arabic [Ajami-derived] phrases on the lower domination of the bank notes in February 2007, citing a move to deepen national unity. Additionally, a check on the official website of the nation’s apex bank reveals that Soludo was the governor of the CBN in Nigeria at the time the shift was made. 

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCES: TheCable, New Yorker and CBN. 

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Mohammed Taoheed 

EDITORS: Opeyemi Kehinde & Simbiat Bakare

CLAIM 2: 

Did governorship election hold in Anambra 2days ago? 

CLAIM: An X user claims that a governorship election was held somewhere in Anambra two days ago.

FINDINGS: The “United States of Biafra Government,” now coordinated by Ngozi Orabueze after the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland, organised what they described as a county governorship election on November 4th, 2025.

The secessionist group had previously issued threats to prevent any Nigerian-led elections in Anambra State. However, days before the scheduled November 8th election, the group instead proceeded to conduct its own poll in rural communities around Anambra.

While recent videos showed that this event occurred, it had no connection to the November 8 election, which is being coordinated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

VERDICT: MISLEADING.

SOURCES: X Videos, INEC, 

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Sunday Awosoro.

EDITORS:  Bamas Victoria, Lois Ugbede, & Simbiat Bakare

Claim 1

Will Anambra election real-time result dashboard be the first in Nigeria? 

Claim: An X user, Biafra First Son, claimed that Anambra’s governorship election will feature Nigeria’s first real-time result dashboard powered with artificial intelligence.

FINDINGS: Multiple media platforms revealed that the AI-powered dashboard, built by SoftSmart Enterprise Solutions, will read and process official result forms (EC8A) uploaded to the INEC’s IReV from 5,720 polling units across 326 electoral wards in the state. The process will last approximately 30 seconds, with an accuracy rate of over 95%. The system also includes an Election Night Analytics Suite, which will generate trend projections, regional performance breakdowns, and turnout estimates using live data. 

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCES: Daily Trust, Punch Newspaper

DATE: 7/11/2025

FACTCHECK AUTHOR: Phillip Anjorin

EDITORS: Bamas Victoria & Simbiat Bakare

Anambra decides: Political parties wrap up campaign as Soludo preaches peace

Harrison EDEH
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Anambra decides: Political parties wrap up campaign as Soludo preaches peace

Political parties have wrapped up their campaigns in Anambra as the state governorship election is barely 24 hours away.

According to the Nigerian Electoral Act, electioneering is supposed to end 48 hours before the election day.

An on-the-spot assessment by The ICIR on Thursday evening revealed last-ditch efforts by various political parties to ramp up their campaign activities ahead of the Saturday, November 8, poll.

From the boundary towns between Anambra and Imo state, The ICIR saw various party mobilisers along Uga, Ekwulobia and Umuchu wooing market women and business clusters with mouth-watering promises of delivering democracy dividends.

The ICIR spotted the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) ward coordinators in Ekwulobia saying in local dialect, “Bikonu tinyenu aka be esere okuko ka-anyi mezie oru ndi anyi malitere na mpahara steeti anyi,” which translates, “vote APGA so that we can complete our various ongoing projects in the state and deliver more dividends of democracy.”

Our reporter also observed that most town unions have campaign posters of Governor Chukwuma Soludo adorning the entrance of their towns, often signed by the President-General of the town union in pledge of their support for his candidacy.

The ICIR saw these posters in Ekwulobia, Uga, Umuchu and Isuofia, which are towns that comprise largely the Aguata Local Government Area of the state, where the governor hails from.

Soludo preaches peace

Soludo, in a monitored broadcast on Thursday in Awka, urged candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and put Anambra first in the election.

He called for peaceful conduct and mutual respect among candidates participating in the poll.

He emphasised that political contests should not break the bond among the people of the state.

Speaking on the charged political atmosphere in the state, Soludo described his fellow contestants as friends, noting that the tension surrounding the election was only temporary.

“My colleagues and fellow contestants in Saturday’s election are all my friends. Never mind the moment — the ruffles will end by Thursday, and after Sunday, we will go back to impressing ourselves. It’s the Anambra way. We fight as if there will be no tomorrow, but at the end of the day, we attend traditional marriages together, share drinks, and remain brothers.”

Soludo urged political actors and supporters to prioritise peace and unity, saying that while elections were important, the spirit of brotherhood and community among Anambra people must remain stronger than political differences.

Some of the candidates in the election 

Here are some of the contestants in the election, along with their parties:

– Charles Soludo (All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA) – Incumbent governor seeking re-election.

– Nicholas Ukachukwu (All Progressives Congress, APC) – Businessman and politician.

– Ezenwafor Jude (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) – Real estate developer and trade consultant.

– George Moghalu (Labour Party, LP) – Former Managing Director and CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority.

– Ifemeludike Chioma (African Action Congress, AAC) – Female candidate and actress.

– Ndidi Olieh (National Rescue Movement, NRM) – Female candidate and party spokesperson.

– Onyeze Charles (Accord, A) – Philanthropist.

– Paul Chukwuma (Young Peoples Party, YPP) – Economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria official.

– Nwosu Chuma (African Democratic Congress, ADC) – Economist and computer technologist.

There are 16 candidates in total, representing various parties.

INEC assures fairness as distribution of sensitive materials for Anambra governorship poll begins

Mustapha USMAN
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INEC assures fairness as distribution of sensitive materials for Anambra governorship poll begins

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, November 6, begun distributing sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8.

The exercise, which took place at the Awka branch of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) came just two days before the poll.

According to the INEC data, 2,802,790 registered voters across 21 Local Government Areas, 326 political wards, and 5,718 polling units are expected to participate in the exercise.

The INEC data further shows that over 1.7 million voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while more than 7,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed for the election.

The ICIR reported that the electoral body had cleared 16 candidates from various political parties to vie for the highest political office in the state , including the incumbent Governor Charles Soludo All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ukachukwu Nicholas, All Progressives  Congress (APC), Ezenwafor Jude, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), and Moghalu Nnadubem, Labour Party (LP).

During the distribution of election materials at the CBN office in Awka, on Thursday, The ICIR observed that the process was conducted per LGA, with trucks moving in and out of the premises under heavy security escort.

The materials were transported to designated INEC offices across the LGAs under police supervision.

Addressing journalists, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Queen Elizabeth Agwu, reassured voters of the commission’s neutrality.

She said the election materials being distributed included BVAS, FormsEC9A and EC8B.

“What we are doing here at the Central Bank is the delivery of sensitive materials, including BVAS, Forms EC8A and EC8B, for the Saturday election,” she said.

“Early in the morning, don’t forget that each LGA has their own RAC centres. In the morning as early as 6am, they will move to the polling unit to set up. Our election starts by 8:30 but we have mandated that by 7am they will be there and set up fully so that the election will take place peacefully.

“That’s why we are here today. For everybody to see the sensitive materials which is the main material for election,”  she added.

On his part, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, affirmed the deployment of over 55,000 security personnel across the state to ensure a safe and peaceful voting process.

“Election with take place across the polling unit come Saturday, except two polling units and this is as a result of zero registered voters. No person has registered to vote in those two polling units otherwise the election will go ahead in all locations as expected on Saturday.

“Everything that is needed to be put in place and ensure that this happens, in terms of security and logistics has been put in place. And part of meeting the timeline is what we are witnessing today which is the commencement of election materials from CBN Awka,” he noted.

He encouraged voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic right without fear of intimidation, adding that media team who needed security for their movement would be provided.

The ICIR reports that the Saturday’s elections have drawn 121 accredited local and international observers and 76 media organisations.

It’s also the first assignment for the new INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, a professor.

LIVE UPDATE: Anambra 2025 Governorship Election

Editorial
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LIVE UPDATE: Anambra 2025 Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra state, November 8.

Follow the updates below:

Trump’s threats: Tinubu courts world leaders, vows to defeat terrorism

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Trump’s threats: Tinubu courts world leaders, vows to defeat terrorism

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to end terrorism and deepen diplomatic relations with Nigeria’s global partners.

The president made the declaration shortly before the Federal Executive Council went into a closed-door session on Thursday at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, in Abuja; the first meeting of the council since July.

“We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism. The task ahead is to move forward with clarity of purpose guided by the Renewed Hope agenda to build a prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

His comments follow US President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a decision the Federal Government has dismissed as a misrepresentation of the country’s security realities.

The ICIR reported that Tinubu said his government was engaging the international community to advance security, stability, and economic growth, in reaction to Trump’s decision. 

Tinubu said Nigeria stood firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and continued to maintain open engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders across the country.

He argued that the portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant did not reflect the reality in the country, adding that the government’s efforts to safeguard freedom of belief for all Nigerians remained consistent and sincere.

Meanwhile, a former Presidential Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has tasked Tinubu to address Nigerians over Trump’s threats to invade Nigeria with his country’s military.

Baba-Ahmed warned that the president’s silence portrayed a troubling picture for Nigeria’s leadership. He cautioned against any plan to visit the United States for a meeting with Trump, describing such a move as ill-advised.

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