Group Decries Voter Apathy, Vote-Trading During Anambra Governorship Election

By Our Reporter

The Centre for Democracy and Development CDD, West Africa has raised concerns over apathy, vote trading, and gaps in Institutional Preparedness During the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election.

At a press briefing in Awka shortly after the close of voting , the Non Governmental Organisation said CDD observers recorded multiple incidents of vote buying and trading across Anambra State during the election, with particularly high concentrations in the Anambra Central and Anambra South senatorial zones.

Professor Ernest Aniche of the Election Analysis Centre who read the statement said the activities, often carried out in full view of voters and officials, directly undermined the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

He noted that in Awka South, Anambra Central, and in Nnewi North Local Government Area, vote buying was observed in high-density polling clusters, including Nodu Village Hall 1, Nodu Hall 2 , and Ezinifitte Hall 2 and Nibo 002 Maternity I, Voters were seen participating in “vote-and-snap” behavior, taking pictures of their marked ballots, likely as proof of compliance in exchange for financial inducement.

In some instances, party agents used money transfer platforms rather than direct cash payments to complete the transactions.

CDD observed that Party agents offered voters up to ₦10,000 and ₦5,000, depending on the location as seen in PU 005, Achina Ward 3, and in Aguata LGA, opposite PU 012, Ward 1, where agents distributed ₦5,000 and ₦2,000 payments to voters.

Professor Aniche of the Election Analysis Centre, noted that despite strong interest shown by youth during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) period, turnout among young voters on election day was visibly low, especially in urban centres such as Awka and Onitsha.

He said contributing factors appeared to include disillusionment with the political process, logistical delays, and perceived lack of impact.

The group also observed that women, particularly female candidates, continued to face voter apathy and discriminatory behaviour as observers recorded instances where female candidates were subjected to dismissive or sexist commentary at polling units, reinforcing the cultural and institutional barriers to women’s political participation.

Professor . Aniche stated that accessibility for persons with disabilities remained limited in several areas, including Onitsha North and Idemili South LGAs despite INEC’s public commitment to inclusion.

CDD observers reported that many polling units lacked wheelchair access, signage for the visually impaired, or priority voting arrangements.