Stakeholders Advocate Issue-Based Campaigns In Anambra Guber Poll
Stakeholders in Anambra State have called for issue-based politics and election campaigns in the build-up to the governorship election.
At a stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development in Awka, participants emphasized the crucial importance of peace building and the credibility of the electoral process.
Ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, stakeholders have called for issue-based election with emphasis on peacebuilding and electoral credibility.
The stakeholders comprising religious leaders, civil society groups, media, security agencies, and political actors called for a credible and transparent election that will enthrone true democracy and quality leadership in the state.
During discussions, participants drew attention to lapses observed in the recent past elections, particularly lessons from the August 16, 2025 Anambra State by- elections.
They raised concerns about low voter participation and the integrity of the electoral process.
State Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, Mathias Ameke and Sam Oraegbunam from All Progressive Congress, lamented that Anambra State has a paltry 2% voter participation rate, which according to them undermines the credibility of the election.
They urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sensitize the people on the importance of voting and build trust in the electoral system.
Other stakeholders, including Chris Azor, and Comrade Uzochukwu Eminent from the Inter-Party Advisory Council, echoed similar sentiments.
They criticized politicians whom they said employed underhand tactics and social media banter instead of engaging in issue-based conversations.
African Action Alliance candidate in the governorship election, Chioma Ifemeludike and Virginia Okeke from market women organisation, emphasized the need to drive sensitization efforts to eliminate voter apathy, protect mandates, and produce a credible election.
They also expressed concerns about vote buying and bribery which, they said, are vices that undermine the protection of people’s mandates.
In her remarks, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, called on stakeholders to contribute in producing a credible election.
She assured that INEC has put in place measures to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, including voter education and the use of technology.
