Political parties and their candidates in the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election have signed a peace accord, pledging to ensure a violence-free and credible poll.
The agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and Bishop Matthew Kukah, was signed at the International Convention Centre, Awka. It was witnessed by INEC officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, and candidates of major parties including APGA, APC, PDP, and Labour Party.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible election, saying logistics challenges had been addressed. He said voting materials would reach all 5,718 polling units by 7 a.m., with voting starting at 8:30 a.m. The commission, he added, had registered 2.8 million voters and would deploy 24,000 officials across the state.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Ben Okoro, assured of adequate security, warning against violence or interference by political actors or non-state groups such as IPOB and ESN. He said 45,000 police officers and 10,250 NSCDC operatives would be deployed, while VIPs would not be allowed to move with armed escorts on Election Day.
Bishop Kukah urged candidates to honour the peace pact, stressing that democracy thrives on civility and sportsmanship. Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the APGA candidate, said all parties must respect the accord to guarantee a credible process.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, appealed to voters to reject vote buying and participate peacefully, while INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that materials and BVAS devices were ready for deployment.
