Anambra governorship election 2025 peace accord signed as parties vow to uphold non-violence and respect results ahead of November 8 poll
Awka, 4 November 2025 — Anambra governorship election 2025 candidates and political parties on Monday signed a peace accord pledging non-violence and respect for the outcome of the forthcoming poll.
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The event, organised by the Kukah Centre under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and Bishop Matthew Kukah at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional rulers, and major political parties — including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Accord Party — were present.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, who was in Awka for a stakeholders’ meeting, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to deliver a credible, transparent, and peaceful election.
“Our responsibility is to the people of this nation. We are fully prepared to deliver an election that is fair, credible, and reflective of the people’s will,” he said.
Amupitan disclosed that the commission had addressed logistics challenges to ensure all election materials reach polling units by 7 a.m., with voting commencing by 8:30 a.m.
He noted that 2,802,790 eligible voters had been cleared to participate, with 24,000 personnel to be deployed across 5,718 polling units and 21 local government areas.
He assured that collation of results would be transparent and aligned with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) records.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Ben Okoro, guaranteed adequate security across all local governments.
“The peace accord signifies the importance of political tolerance and respect for democratic values. We urge all candidates and their supporters to commit genuinely to peace before, during, and after the election,” Okoro said.
He emphasised that the police would remain neutral and professional, warning that any attempt to disrupt the election would attract “decisive and lawful force.”
He also stated that VIPs and candidates would not be permitted to move with armed escorts on Election Day.
Egbetokun revealed that 45,000 police personnel would be deployed, supported by 10,250 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in addition to operatives from other agencies.
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Anambra, Chief Ugwoji, urged INEC to ensure fairness and transparency, while encouraging voters to reject inducements.
He said, “Peace means law and order, goodwill, and respect for one another. All stakeholders must work together to make this election a model of democratic maturity.”
At the ceremony, Bishop Matthew Kukah called on candidates to demonstrate sportsmanship and commitment to the spirit of the peace accord, describing it as “a hand-holding exercise aimed at making democracy more functional for the people.”
Speaking on behalf of all candidates, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the APGA flagbearer, pledged to abide by the rules of the election and respect the outcome.
“My fellow candidates are all my friends. By Saturday, the contest will end, and by Sunday, the people’s choice will be clear. What we signed today must be domesticated — only then can we guarantee peace,” Soludo said.
Traditional rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, urged citizens to vote peacefully and avoid apathy. “The future of Anambra depends on the decisions made at the polls,” he said.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr Elizabeth Agwu confirmed that non-sensitive materials had been distributed and BVAS devices fully configured and tested.
She added that backup generators had been provided for collation centres to ensure uninterrupted operations.
“We have left nothing to chance. From personnel training to material deployment, every step has been taken to ensure a smooth, credible, and technology-driven election,” she said.
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As Anambra governorship election 2025 draws closer, stakeholders and citizens alike await whether these pledges of peace will translate into a truly democratic exercise — one defined not by tension, but by trust.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
