By Mercy Peter
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has raised strong concerns over the fragility of Nigeria’s electoral institutions, weak political competition, and the growing threat of disinformation ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Friday, CDD-West Africa officially launched its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) — a hub for monitoring, analysis, and fact-checking activities before, during, and after the polls.
The organisation described the election as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic integrity under the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chaired by Professor Joash Amupitan, who assumed office only weeks ago.
“This election is another opportunity for over 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra State to make their voices heard,” said Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD-West Africa.
“While INEC reports a 98.8% Permanent Voter Card collection rate, there are concerns that this may not translate into higher voter turnout.”
CDD Deploys Observers and “Soldiers of Mouth” Against Disinformation
CDD-West Africa announced that it has deployed 178 trained and accredited observers across the state’s 21 local government areas, focusing on polling units with large voter populations or prior records of irregularities.
In addition, 57 grassroots monitors, dubbed “Soldiers of Mouth,” have been assigned to counter misinformation and verify claims circulating online and offline.
Another 30 mandate protection observers will monitor electoral malpractice and report to the appropriate authorities.
“Our Election Analysis Centre will track developments in real-time, fact-check emerging claims, and respond to harmful narratives.
Citizens can report suspicious content via our WhatsApp helpline,” Garuba said.
CDD-West Africa acknowledged some improvements by INEC in election preparations but noted that public confidence remains fragile.
The group cited logistical lapses in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process and expressed concern that judicial delays and uncertainties over candidate eligibility were undermining public trust.
“The judiciary has a crucial responsibility. Delayed rulings and unresolved disputes continue to cast doubt on the credibility of the process,” the centre warned.
CDD’s analysis, based on its pre-election report “Anambra 2025: A Barometer of Party Fortunes, Federal Might and Personalities,” found that internal crises within major political parties have reduced electoral competitiveness in the state.
“The political parties have not demonstrated the capacity to mobilise and sensitise voters,” said Garuba.
“This lack of competitiveness risks dampening voter enthusiasm and further entrenching apathy.”
The report also criticised restrictive campaign practices, including a ₦50 million billboard permit fee announced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) in June, which CDD said limited access for smaller parties and contradicted Section 88(2) of the Electoral Act (2022) that caps campaign spending at ₦1 billion.
CDD identified security concerns in Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and border communities such as Lilu, Azia, and Amorka, where voter intimidation and violence risks remain high.
“Weak oversight of vigilante groups and persistent insecurity contribute to voter fear,” the centre cautioned.
“Security agencies must act professionally, protect voters without bias, and ensure that no citizen feels intimidated.”
Drawing from its second report, “Evaluating Disinformation Risks Ahead of the 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State,” CDD described the information ecosystem as “highly volatile and polarised,” with misinformation and hate speech posing major risks to electoral integrity.
CDD identified seven dominant disinformation patterns, including:
Allegations of partisan bias against security institutions
Exploitation of religious and ethnic divides
Manipulation of political endorsement claims
Weaponisation of insecurity and “unknown gunmen” narratives
Distortion of campaign statements in the Igbo language
Attacks on INEC’s competence and readiness
Gendered hate speech and online harassment of women in politics
The organisation has launched digital literacy campaigns and partnered with local content creators to counter these threats.
“We are empowering communities to spot and debunk falsehoods before they spread,” said Prof. Victor Adetula, Chair of the CDD Election Analysis Centre.
“Information integrity is essential to credible elections.”
CDD also criticised the low representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the election, noting that only two women, both from minor parties, are contesting for governor.
“Youth enthusiasm remains high, but structural barriers persist. There are no PWD candidates, and accessibility at polling units remains poor,” the group stated.
The organisation outlined key recommendations for electoral stakeholders:
INEC should maintain neutrality and ensure timely deployment of materials, as well as seamless use of BVAS and IReV platforms.
Security agencies must guarantee safety without intimidation or selective enforcement.
Political parties should avoid vote buying and commit to peaceful campaigns.
Civil society and the media must promote factual information and inclusivity.
Citizens are encouraged to participate peacefully and reject vote selling.
CDD-West Africa concluded that the Anambra 2025 governorship election represents more than a regional contest—it is a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
“This election is more than a sub-national race,” the statement declared.
“It is a test of the country’s ability to uphold transparency, inclusion, and national interest over political expediency.”
