EU Deploys 687 Observers for Anambra State Governorship Election
The European Union has announced the deployment of 687 election observers to Anambra State in preparation for Saturday’s governorship election. This initiative is part of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, which aims to support civil society partners in monitoring elections, promoting inclusive governance, and reinforcing public confidence in democratic processes.
The EU-SDGN programme facilitates the work of various civil society organizations that are tasked with observing the electoral process, strengthening peacebuilding efforts, ensuring disability and gender inclusion, combating misinformation, and enhancing transparency in the democratic system. A statement released by the EU in Abuja highlighted that seven of the 16 implementing partners under the programme are already present in Anambra State.
These organizations include the Kukah Centre, Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society, Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa. The coordinated effort of these groups ensures a comprehensive assessment of the election, leveraging their diverse expertise and experience to produce a detailed report that will be shared with all stakeholders.
Key Areas of Focus for Observers
The observers will operate in coordinated clusters, focusing on several critical areas:
- Election Integrity and Results Verification: Ensuring that the voting process is fair, transparent, and free from irregularities.
- Disability Inclusion: Trained observers and sign language interpreters will monitor the participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process.
- Gender Participation Monitoring: Tracking the involvement of women in the election and ensuring equal representation.
- Media and Misinformation Tracking: Journalists and fact-checkers will monitor media coverage and detect false or misleading information.
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention: Efforts will be made to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral environment.
- Polling Logistics and Sensitive Materials Monitoring: Observers will oversee the handling and distribution of election materials.
This deployment marks one of the most extensive civil society-led observer initiatives ever recorded for a state election in Nigeria. The EU emphasized that the focus on these thematic areas will contribute to a more credible and inclusive electoral process.
Peace Accord and Electoral Readiness
Earlier this week, the EU-SDGN programme played a key role in facilitating the signing of the Anambra Election Peace Accord by all candidates and political parties. This agreement aims to promote peaceful conduct during the election and ensure that all stakeholders respect the will of the voters.
“The Peace Accord is not the conclusion, but the beginning of responsibility. Candidates must not only sign for peace, but act peacefully and respect the will of the voters,” the cohort stated.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared full readiness for the Anambra poll. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan confirmed that approximately 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed across the state, and around 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election. The election will take place in 5,718 wards.
According to INEC, 16 candidates from 16 different political parties are contesting the governorship election. Among them is the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance.