Anambra polls: Peaceful process, troubling realities

The conduct of the Anambra governorship election on November 8 offered a promising, if incomplete, step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process. While the exercise reflected measurable improvements in election administration and peace, it simultaneously exposed deep-rooted failings that continue to threaten electoral integrity. The efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deserve commendation. Still, […]

The conduct of the Anambra governorship election on November 8 offered a promising, if incomplete, step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process. While the exercise reflected measurable improvements in election administration and peace, it simultaneously exposed deep-rooted failings that continue to threaten electoral integrity.

The efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deserve commendation. Still, the actions of political actors, persistent logistical hiccups, and growing voter disengagement remain troubling signals that must be urgently addressed before the 2027 general elections.

To begin with, INEC recorded notable progress in the management of the electoral process. Observers across the state generally acknowledged a marked improvement in the opening of polling units compared to previous elections. Although challenges persist, INEC’s performance showed greater readiness and efficiency in deploying materials. More importantly, reports from the Anambra Election Observation Hub, comprising Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa, revealed, through its Watching The Vote platform, that the results declared by INEC aligned with its Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT), formerly known as the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT). This convergence is significant because it validates the credibility of the outcome using an independent, data-driven methodology. For an electoral system long plagued by suspicion and mistrust, this development represents a critical step in rebuilding public confidence.

Additionally, the election day process was largely peaceful. We commend the people of Anambra State for demonstrating restraint and civic maturity throughout voting, counting, and result collation. The professionalism and coordination exhibited by security agencies further contributed to maintaining order, avoiding the chaotic scenes that often characterise elections in some parts of the country. This peaceful conduct should be the norm rather than the exception and serves as a positive model for other states.

That said, progress must not be mistaken for perfection. Despite improvements, the fact that less than half of the polling units were operational at the official start time remains a cause for concern. Persistent logistical bottlenecks continue to undermine INEC’s credibility. Timeliness is not a luxury in election administration; it is essential to fairness. Any delay compromises voters’ confidence and may discourage participation. INEC must not rest on its laurels; it should intensify preparation, improve its rapid deployment strategies, and work closely with security and logistics partners to ensure full operational efficiency in future elections.

However, the more worrying aspect of the election was the behaviour of political actors. The widespread practice of vote-buying was not only evident but brazen. This phenomenon has now become the dominant form of electoral malpractice, progressively replacing ballot snatching, violence, ballot stuffing, and manufactured results. It promotes electoral corruption, undermines the equality of contestants, and tarnishes the legitimacy of winners.

Daily Trust strongly condemns this practice and calls for strict punitive measures against individuals and parties found culpable. Electoral misconduct must attract consequences. Politicians and parties must move away from treating elections as transactions and instead invest in platforms, policies, and engagement that earn voters’ trust.

Another major concern lies in voter turnout. While slightly improved, the final turnout of 21.35 per cent is still abysmally low. This level of disengagement should prompt sober reflection across all levels of leadership. Democracy cannot thrive when less than a quarter of eligible citizens participate in selecting leaders.

Particularly alarming is the persistent decline in turnout among young Nigerians. This growing apathy raises serious questions about the government’s responsiveness, the relevance of political actors to citizens’ everyday lives, and, ultimately, the legitimacy of election outcomes. A national conversation is urgently needed to dissect the causes of low participation and develop sustainable solutions.

Rebuilding voter confidence is not the sole responsibility of INEC. Political parties must adopt more inclusive and issue-based politics. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) must intensify voter mobilisation and citizens’ rights education. The National Orientation Agency must take up its mandate more actively by launching sustained civic awareness campaigns ahead of subsequent polls. Citizens, especially the youth, must also recognise their power and responsibility to influence governance through ballots rather than merely expressing discontent on social platforms.

The overall conduct of the Anambra election demonstrated that when institutions perform and citizens comply, Nigeria can conduct peaceful, credible elections. Yet, these achievements will mean little if they do not trigger real reform. The nation expects INEC to build on the successes recorded while eliminating the weaknesses.

The Anambra election gives reason for cautious optimism. It also serves as a reminder that democracy is strengthened not just by credible mechanics but by credible participation. Nigeria has made progress but must now deepen, sustain, and safeguard it. The time to act is before the next election, not after.