CLEEN Foundation Calls on Security Agencies and Stakeholders to Uphold the Principles of Safety, Peace, Fairness, and Accountability Throughout the Anambra Governorship Election

As Anambra State heads to the polls today, Saturday, November 8, 2025, to elect its next Governor, the CLEEN Foundation calls on all security agencies and stakeholders to uphold the principles of safety, security, peace, fairness, and accountability throughout the electoral process. The conduct of security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies, plays a critical role in shaping public confidence in the credibility of the election.

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and the people of Anambra deserve the opportunity to freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, or violence.

Security Context and Risk Mitigation

Our observations highlight several threats that must be proactively addressed:

1. Persistent Violence: The election takes place in a complex environment where politically motivated violence and non-electoral violence remain persistent threats.
2. High-Risk Areas: Stakeholders must pay increased attention to potential flashpoints, with LGAs like Ekwusigo, Ayamelum, Awka South, Onitsha North, Ihiala, Orumba South identified as high-risk areas for security challenges.
3. Misinformation and AI: The media and information space is highly fragile, with misinformation and manipulation, amplified by digital platforms and generative AI, posing a significant threat to public trust and election credibility. Spreading unverified or inciting messages is an electoral offense.

Readiness and Logistics

CLEEN Foundation commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its declared readiness for the poll. We acknowledge that INEC has completed key preparations, including the distribution of all non-sensitive materials to the 21 Local Government Areas. The successful configuration and testing of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) provides a vital tool for a transparent and technology-driven process.

However, we emphasize the need for timely deployment of election materials, effective logistics coordination, and clear communication with stakeholders to maintain public confidence in the process. All election materials must arrive at the polling units by 7:00 AM, and polling must commence at 8:30 AM without delay.

Mandate for Security Agencies

CLEEN Foundation commends the security agencies for their early coordination with INEC, including the deployment of advanced assets like helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance. We urge the security agencies deployed for the Anambra 2025 Governorship Election to:

1. Maintain Neutrality and Professionalism: Remain neutral and professional in their conduct, and be non-partisan, civil, yet firm, in the discharge of their duties.
2. Protect Voters and Materials: Provide adequate security for voters, election officials, and materials before, during, and after the election.
3. Uphold Human Rights: Protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including the rights to vote, assemble peacefully, and express opinions without fear or harassment.
4. Zero Tolerance for Offenses: Activate a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol against electoral offenses such as vote buying, ballot snatching, thuggery, or voter intimidation.
5. Avoid Excessive Force: Avoid excessive use of force and ensure that any security operations are guided by democratic principles and respect for human rights.
6. Enhance Synergy: Work closely with INEC, civil society, and community leaders to prevent violence and ensure swift, impartial responses to any breaches of the peace. Synergy among these agencies is imperative to the peaceful outcomes of the elections.
7. Prioritize Welfare: We call on relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of all security agents and essential workers/ad-hoc staff on election duties to avoid unintended outcomes.

 

Call to Political Actors and Citizens

We call on political actors and their supporters to be professional, coordinate with security agencies, and embrace political tolerance. Candidates must not only sign for peace but act peacefully and respect the will of the voters. The stakes are high, but elections must focus on issues and desist from polluting the electoral process with vote-buying.

Finally, CLEEN Foundation calls on all registered voters in Anambra to come out peacefully, cast their votes responsibly, and safeguard the integrity of this democratic process. Eligible voters should come out to vote on election day because a higher voter turnout influences a better outcome of elections and limits the threats of electoral fraud/manipulation.

The credibility of this election depends on the professional conduct of security agencies and the responsible action of all citizens. Let this election be a testament to a collective commitment to public safety and security.

 

God bless the good people of Anambra State.

God bless the Federal republic of Nigeria.

 

Peter Maduoma

Ag. Executive Director