Anambra Guber: Group Raises Alarm over Rising Campaign of Calumny, Hate Speech

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has raised alarm over growing trend of hate speech, campaign of calumny and political violence ahead of November 2025 Anambra governorship election.

The group warned that unless urgent steps were taken, the state risked sliding into dangerous cycle of conflict, distrust and instability.

A statement by its Chairman, Prince Chris Azor regretted that incidents of violence has heightened fears, calling for restraint and issue-based campaigns by political parties and their candidates.

The statement reads in part, “ACSONet expresses worry that beyond inflammatory rhetoric, incidents of violence are already surfacing.

“In Nri community, Anaocha LGA, supporters of rival parties recently clashed over campaign billboards, pulling down one another’s posters until security operatives intervened.

“At a burial ceremony in another community, suspected gunmen attacked mourners, leaving several feared dead, creating a climate of fear that could spill into the political space.

“Most recently, the State witnessed an avoidable clash between aides of a governorship candidate and a senior government official, leading to condemnable violence and tension.

“These are warning signs that must not be ignored. Elections should never be a do-or-die affair.”

The Network called on politicians, political Parties, and candidates to steer clear of smear tactics and focus on issue based and people-centered campaigns that address development, governance, security and welfare.

It further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, and opinion moulders to rise to the occasion by counselling political actors on the dangers of hate speech and violence.

The group also put INEC, Security Agencies, Media on notice over the development, just as it insisted state Government must play fatherly role

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was charged to strengthen its monitoring of campaigns, enforce regulations, and sanction offenders without fear or favour.

“Security agencies, the Media, and professional associations were also urged to work with civil society to curb information disorder, fact-check campaign narratives, and protect the integrity of the electoral mandate.

“ACSONet called on the Anambra State Government to rise above partisan divides and act as a father figure in this critical period.

“The government must promote tolerance, ensure a level playing ground, and support peacebuilding efforts that guarantee security of lives and property. Leadership by example is critical at this time,” the statement read.

“The Network drew parallels with other African countries where unchecked hate speech and political intolerance snowballed into violent conflict and instability.

“Anambra and Nigeria cannot afford to go down that path. The lessons are clear, and we must act before it is too late,” ACSONet warned.

Charting way forward, ACSONet proposed practical steps to safeguard peace and credibility including stakeholder dialogue, voter education, early warning & mediation and responsible media.

“Organize peace summits where politicians, security, elders, women, PWDs, Media, and youth commit to peace accords.

“Intensify civic education to discourage violence, misinformation, and voter apathy.

“Activate community-based mechanisms to detect and address flashpoints. Encourage fact-based journalism and youth engagement as peace ambassadors.

Reaffirming its role as a watchdog and partner in peacebuilding, ACSONet pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming election was a model of free, fair, credible, and peaceful polls.