INEC Maps Violence Hotspots Ahead of 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

By Praise Chinecherem

Ahead of the November 8 Governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission has launched a study to identify hotspots with likelihoods of electoral violence.

During a one-day training held in Awka, the Chairman, Board of INEC Electoral Institute (TEI), Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zurui, said the methodology workshop on Elections Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT) for field workers and supervisors demonstrated INEC’s commitment towards a successful 2025 governorship poll in the state.

Prof. Zuru whose message was read by the Acting Director General TEI, Professor Sani Ibrahim, described the gathering as a testament to the shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“The task before us today is both technical and moral: It is technical because we need the basic knowledge of the electoral processes to ensure that election workers and voters are all doing the right thing(s).

“It is also moral because we have ethical obligation to adjudicate fairly between election workers and voters. Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, and their credibility rests not just on the votes counted but on the atmosphere in which those votes are cast and counted.

He added, “Our responsibility, therefore, is to ensure that the electoral process remains free from violence and intimidation, so that the will of the people can find true expression.

The frail, vulnerable and physically disabled have special consideration in casting their votes and ensuring that every valid vote cast is counted and it counts for whom it is intended.

“Violence undermines the legitimacy of elections, erodes public trust, and weakens the foundation of our democracy.

“No matter the level of preparation or the resources deployed, an election marred by violence cannot be said to reflect the true choice of the people.

“We must therefore resolve to sustain our democracy whereby elections are conducted freely, fairly, transparently, inclusively and the outcome celebrated as credible expression the intent of the Nigerian voters.

“You are not just field assets or supervisors but also ambassadors of peace and guardians of the democratic process.

In his remarks as the Acting Director General, Prof Ibrahim said elections, as the lifeblood of democracy, must be free from fear, coercion, or intimidation.

“As the former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, once said, “elections are a process, not an event. The credibility of that process depends on its freedom from violence.”

“Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi reminded us that “Violence is the weapon of the weak; nonviolence is the weapon of the strong.”

“These timeless words challenge us to ensure that ballots, not bullets, decide the future of our people.

“For Nigeria, and particularly for Anambra State in this election season, the importance of curbing and mitigating electoral violence cannot be overstated.

According to Ibrahim, electoral violence not only undermines the credibility of the process but also erodes public trust and endangers lives and property.

“Every act of violence reduces democracy, but every act of peace strengthens the will of the people”, he stressed, noting that the success of the upcoming Anambra “Governorship election— and indeed the future of Nigeria’s democracy—depends, in no small measure, on your diligence and commitment.

The Head of Department, General Administration and Procurement, (GAP), Mr. Akuma who represented the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of Anambra State, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, appreciated the Electoral Institute for the EVMAT initiative adding that the state office has equally mapped hotspots for adequate security deployment.

Coordinator of the field work, Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike pledged the readiness of every field agent to execute the task patriotically.

“We will not disappoint. We will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in us. To all of you going into the field, remember this is about life.”