Anambra Governorship Election: CLEEN Foundation Opens Election Security Support Centre (ESSC), Urges Peaceful and Credible Polls
Gentlemen of the Press,
In less than 24 hours, the people of Anambra State will once again go to the polls to elect their next governor. This election marks another important milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and presents an opportunity to consolidate the gains made since the 2023 general elections.
With over 2.6 million registered voters across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas, and 5,720 polling units spread across three senatorial districts, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election is a significant test of Nigeria’s ability to deliver peaceful, credible, and inclusive sub-national elections. The build-up to the polls has been intense, with heightened political activity, isolated security incidents, and increased public expectations. These dynamics underscore the need for vigilance, professional conduct, and coordinated security management.
It is in this spirit that the CLEEN Foundation has activated its Election Security Support Centre (ESSC) to monitor and assess the conduct of security agencies before, during, and after the Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025. The CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Management Project is an evidence-based initiative designed to provide accurate, impartial, and data-driven assessments of security agencies’ performance during elections. The project also seeks to offer practical recommendations for improvement and demonstrate CLEEN’s ongoing commitment to democracy, peace, and stability in Nigeria.
ESSC Operations and Methodology
CLEEN Foundation has recruited, trained, and deployed accredited election observers across all 21 LGAs of Anambra State. The observers will monitor the conduct of security personnel on election duty using a standardised checklist developed in collaboration with the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Election Security Support Centre (ESSC), Stationed at MaxBe Continental Hotel, Awka, will serve as the central coordination hub for the observation mission. The Centre will also operate virtually through CLEEN’s offices in Abuja, allowing for real-time data transmission, analysis, and response.
Observers will transmit data through the CLEEN mobile app, providing updates on issues such as security deployment, crowd control, voting logistics, and adherence to human rights standards. Election and security experts stationed at the ESSC will analyse these reports as they unfold, verify incidents with media and credible local sources, and escalate confirmed cases to relevant institutions, including INEC, the PSC, and the Nigeria Police Force, for immediate action.
CLEEN’s approach leverages technology and partnerships to ensure a transparent process. In the 2023 general elections, CLEEN’s ESSC processed over 1,200 incident reports nationwide, 64% of which related to security deployment and 18% to voter intimidation and logistics challenges. Lessons from that experience will guide the Anambra exercise.
Partnerships and Collaboration
CLEEN Foundation is collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and other strategic media partners to ensure that credible, timely information reaches the public. Advocacy visits have been scheduled to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka to strengthen inter-agency coordination, transparency, and accountability.
These visits aim to reinforce the role of security agencies as impartial guarantors of public safety during elections, particularly in volatile LGAs such as Nnewi South, Ihiala, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Ayamelum, Awka South, Onitsha North, Orumba South, which have previously recorded electoral tension and sporadic violence.
Commitment to Peace and Security
CLEEN Foundation’s Anambra Election Security Threat Assessment (ESTA), developed using the Election Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT), identified several key risk factors ahead of the polls. These include political intolerance, voter apathy linked to insecurity in parts of the South-East, and misinformation on social media.
The assessment revealed that 71.7% of respondents believe electoral violence risks are high, while public doubt about the neutrality of security agents, excessive use of force, weak communication between security agencies and Inadequate preparation and professional standards rhetoric are major threats to peace. CLEEN Foundation has shared these findings with security agencies, INEC, and civil society actors to facilitate preventive deployment and early response mechanisms.
We commend the Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies for their improved coordination and professionalism during the campaign and pre-election period. We particularly note the enhanced joint security framework under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). However, there remains a need to strengthen intelligence gathering, especially in rural and riverine communities where incidents often go unreported.
CLEEN Foundation urges all security agencies to remain neutral, avoid excessive use of force, and maintain strict adherence to their Code of Conduct for Election Duty. We equally call on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to desist from hate speech, intimidation, and vote trading. Electoral integrity can only thrive in an environment of peace, fairness, and mutual respect.
Message to Voters
We urge the good people of Anambra State to turn out en-mass and vote peacefully. The power to determine the state’s future lies in their hands. Elections are not worth the blood of any citizen. Every ballot cast peacefully strengthens democracy and sends a message of resilience and civic responsibility. In the 2021 Anambra Governorship Election, voter turnout stood at just 10.4%, one of the lowest in Nigeria’s recent history. CLEEN Foundation, therefore, calls on all to encourage political parties, INEC, media, and civil society to encourage greater participation this time around and ensure that every eligible voter feels safe and confident to vote.
Closing
With this press release, CLEEN Foundation officially declares open the Election Security Support Centre (ESSC) for the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election. The Centre will remain open to the media, stakeholders, and domestic and international observers for information and engagement throughout the election period.
We recommend that INEC, political parties, security agencies, the mass media, and civil society organisations pay increased attention to early warning signs and risk factors identified in the ESTA Report. Synergy, professionalism, and proactive engagement will be critical to achieving peaceful elections. CLEEN Foundation also urges the welfare and safety of all security agents, ad-hoc staff, and essential election workers to be prioritised to prevent fatigue, misconduct, or unintended incidents during the exercise.
Let every stakeholder in Anambra rise to the occasion and make this election a model for peace and credibility.
May God bless and protect the people of Anambra State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Peter Maduoma
Ag. Executive Director