CDD-West Africa Warns of Low Competitiveness, Voter Apathy, and Fragility of Key Electoral Institutions Ahead of Anambra 2025 Governorship Election
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) welcomes you to the opening of its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) ahead of the 8 November 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election. This is the first off-cycle governorship election under the new INEC leadership of Professor Joash Amupitan. It is another opportunity for the two million, eight hundred and two thousand, seven hundred and ninety (2,802,790) registered voters in the state to make their voices heard in electing the next state governor. While it is ordinarily heartening to note INEC’s report of a 98.8% PVC collection rate, there is some concern that this will not translate into a high enough voter turnout.
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD‑West Africa) has released two reports: “Anambra 2025: A Barometer of Party Fortunes, Federal Might and Personalities” and “Evaluating Disinformation Risks Ahead of the 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State”. Together, they show that this election is a decisive test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience, institutional credibility, and political competitiveness.
We have deployed 178 trained and accredited observers across all 21 local government areas, with our methodology targeting polling units with high volumes and a prior history of election-related issues. We have also deployed 57 grassroots monitors known as “Soldiers of Mouth” who will help in addressing information disorder incidents, corroborate fact-checks and help us monitor the ways that parties, politicians and even members of the public engage in disinformation. Also, we have deployed 30 mandate protection observers who will spot and report any electoral irregularities to the relevant agencies.
Institutional Preparedness
INEC has taken steps to improve preparations, but confidence remains fragile. The CVR process exposed logistical gaps that must be urgently addressed. The judiciary also has a crucial responsibility; delayed rulings and uncertainty over candidate eligibility continue to damage public trust.
A major concern in the Anambra governorship election is that the political parties have not demonstrated the capacity to mobilise and sensitise voters. The internal crisis within Nigeria's major political parties at the moment has weakened electoral competitiveness in the Anambra governorship election.
Security Landscape
Security threats remain a major concern in Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and border communities such as Lilu, Azia, and Amorka. Weak oversight of vigilante groups and the long-standing violent environment contribute to a low risk of voter turnout. Security agencies must act professionally and protect voters without bias.
Incumbency and Federal Influence
APGA and the incumbent governor benefit from visibility advantages, new strategic political alignments and control of state influence channels. The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) announced on June 11, 2025, that it had set a permit fee of N50 million for political parties wishing to use billboards and conduct other outdoor campaign activities. This limits access for different political parties and increases the cost of campaigns, which are capped at N1 billion under Section 88(2) of the 2022 Electoral Act.
Information Ecosystem
Based on the extensive information ecosystem assessment conducted in the state, CDD-West Africa has highlighted, with great attention, information disorder as a major threat to the success of this election.
Findings from the assessment revealed unequal access to information among the population, gender-specific vulnerabilities, inadequate stakeholder preparedness, and persistent electoral risks. These factors have collectively enabled the widespread circulation of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech (MDH).
Specifically, seven dominant patterns of information manipulation were identified:
- Targeting of security institutions with partisan bias claims;
- Exploitation of religious divides
- Manipulation of political endorsement narratives
- Weaponisation of insecurity concerns and “unknown gunmen” narratives
- Distortion of campaign statements made in Igbo based on differing linguistic interpretations.
- Narratives questioning INEC’s competence and preparedness
- Gendered hate speech/ gendered violence campaigns aimed at discouraging women’s political participation.
In response, CDD-West Africa rolled out multiple interventions to mitigate these risks. These include capacity-building sessions for stakeholders on identifying and countering information disorder, as well as engaging content creators across the state who have taken the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech to social media.
Representation of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Exclusion persists. Only two women are contesting, both from minor parties. Youth enthusiasm is high, but generational leadership gaps remain. There are no PWD candidates, and polling accessibility remains weak.
CDD-West Africa calls for:
- INEC to maintain neutrality and ensure seamless electoral processes, such as the timely deployment of voting materials and smooth functioning of BVAS/IReV
- Security agencies to protect citizens without intimidation or selective enforcement
- Political parties to shun vote buying and commit to peaceful conduct
- Civil society and media to amplify factual information and support inclusive participation
- Citizens to come out and exercise their democratic right to vote.
With the CDD Election Analysis Centre (EAC) now fully operational, our disinformation experts will be working throughout the period to monitor, fact-check, and respond to emerging narratives. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious content to our WhatsApp helpline at +234 704 150 2298.
The 2025 Anambra Governorship election is more than a sub-national election. CDD-West Africa calls on all actors to prioritise national interest, protect democratic integrity, and ensure a peaceful, credible and inclusive election.
For more information, please contact Faridha Salihu-Lukman, Communications Officer, at fslukman@cddwestafrica.org/0810 625 9235.