Ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, a socio-political group, the Igbo Political Network (IPN), has announced the deployment of over 5,000 independent observers to monitor the exercise across the state.
The organisation said the initiative was aimed at ensuring transparency, credibility, and fairness in what it described as a “historic election” for the South-East region.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, the President of IPN, Chief Alex Okemiri, described the forthcoming election as a litmus test for the region’s political maturity and unity. He stressed that the credibility of the poll would reflect the readiness of Ndigbo to assert their political destiny within Nigeria’s democratic structure.
“All eyes are on Anambra State come November 8. This election remains an epochal event, not just for the state but for the entire Igbo land,” Okemiri said. “Leaders from Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo are watching closely because this poll symbolises a defining moment in our political history as a people.”
He noted that the group’s deployment of observers was self-funded by members determined to safeguard the integrity of the process despite the prevailing economic hardship.
“Someone asked how we sourced the resources to mobilise 5,000 observers,” Okemiri revealed. “We understand the economy is tough, but this election is too crucial to ignore. We made personal sacrifices because Ndigbo must take ownership of their political future.”
The IPN president further urged political actors, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
He issued a direct call to the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, urging him to ensure that the conduct of the Anambra poll becomes a benchmark for electoral integrity in Nigeria.
“This is the first major national test for the new INEC Chairman,” Okemiri said. “He must rise above bias and ensure that every vote counts. The people are watching, and Ndigbo are determined that their voices must not be silenced by manipulation or intimidation.”
Okemiri also cautioned against voter suppression, political thuggery, and vote-buying, insisting that such practices would no longer be tolerated in the South-East.
He appealed to security agencies to maintain professionalism and impartiality during the exercise, warning that any compromise could trigger public distrust and unrest.
“The conduct of this election will speak volumes about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said. “It is time for all stakeholders to prove that democracy can truly thrive in the South-East.”
The Anambra governorship election is expected to be one of the most closely watched polls in recent years, given its significance in shaping the political direction of the region and testing the electoral umpire’s capacity under its new leadership.
