SIDEC Hails Peaceful Anambra Guber Poll, Celebrates Women, Youths, PWDs Participation

By Praise Chinecherem

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has congratulated citizens of Anambra state for the peaceful conduct of Saturday, November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The organisation acknowledges and celebrates the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the process.

SIDEC commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Security Agencies, as led by the Nigeria Police, the Media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for their respective roles in ensuring a largely peaceful poll

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, the organisation also congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as Governor.

For SIDEC, one of the outcomes that stands out in the just-concluded election is the doubling in voter turnout figures when compared to the 2021 gubernatorial poll, with a recorded 10% turnout.

According to the statement, “this is particularly heartening for us given our sustained investments in voter mobilisation, countering mis/disinformation, civic enlightenment and political inclusion under Project IMPACT.

“Project IMPACT has in the past three months, promoted enhanced participation, especially among women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-time voters.

“This increased turnout reflects growing confidence in the electoral process and expanding civic consciousness in Anambra State, and we commend the voters for their responsible conduct.”

The organisation urges Governor Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and appeals to his co-contestants in the election to show statesmanship by accepting the outcome in the interest of the people of Anambra state.

“Democracy is strongest when political actors place the collective aspirations of citizens above personal ambitions.

“We also urge Governor Soludo to view this re-election as an opportunity to consolidate on the gains of his first term and raise the bar of performance. This is not a time to retreat; it is a time to push harder.

“Anambra citizens expect more inclusive development, sustained economic reforms, continued infrastructural renewal and most importantly, unwavering attention to security.

“The Governor must not rest on his oars in making Anambra safer, more prosperous and more globally-competitive.

“SIDEC acknowledges the funding support from the UK-FCDO in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Election Situation Room, attributing the peaceful poll and higher turnout to this investment.”