Anambra 2025: CTA wants errant election officials sanctioned, deploys 50 trained observers

 

Anambra 2025: CTA  wants errant election officials sanctioned, deploys 50 trained observers.

Nkiru Nwagbo.

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), an independent civic organization, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider sanctions for electoral officials found guilty of engaging in electoral malpractice during Anambra governorship election on Saturday.

CTA's Expert Team for the Anambra Governorship Election, Professor Alex Asigbo, made the call on Friday during their pre-gubernatorial election Press briefing in Awka, the state capital.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for initiating disciplinary action against erring officials in previous elections but emphasized that more accountability is needed.

“Integrity should be the watchword for INEC staff. Ndi Anambra expect nothing less. INEC as an institution and its personnel must live above board. Electoral Officers at the LGA level must ensure early mobilization of materials and personnel to polling units in collaboration with the NURTW,”he said.

He explained that the CTA is an independent civic organization that has been actively involved in election observation in Nigeria since its inception and is an accredited domestic election observer group.

“CTA will deploy 50 observers who will send in real-time reports, allowing us to have firsthand information on events as they unfold on election day,” Asigbo stated.

He noted that citizens of Anambra State have expressed high expectations for a transparent and credible process, given the incremental improvements observed in other off-season elections, particularly following the introduction of technological innovations into Nigeria’s electoral system.

According to him, these innovations—first prominently deployed during the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections have energized Nigerian voters, especially the youth, who have become politically active in an unprecedented manner.

“In line with our established practice, CTA has opened its Situation Room here in Awka. We have 50 trained election observers strategically deployed across the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State. These observers have been properly trained on election monitoring and adherence to INEC guidelines,” he said.

As Anambra citizens, known as Ndi Anambra, head to the polls, Professor Asigbo highlighted key issues deserving attention.

He observed that while no major security infractions were recorded during campaigns over the past three months, some flashpoints remain sensitive, particularly in Orumba South, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and adjoining areas.

Asigbo also called for stronger inter-agency collaboration among security bodies to guarantee the safety of citizens, election materials, and INEC personnel before, during, and after the polls.

Encouraging voters to turn out en masse, he reminded them of the importance of civic participation in shaping governance at the state level.

“We urge the citizens of Anambra to take this election seriously and turn out in high numbers. Vote buying and trading must be completely rejected. Citizens should conduct themselves peacefully and ensure their votes count,”he said.

He condemned the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media by “unscrupulous elements” seeking to undermine electoral integrity and create tension.

“We appeal to journalists and the mainstream media to remain neutral and resist amplifying unverified or misleading information. Media neutrality is crucial in mitigating the dangerous effects of misinformation during and after the elections,”he added..

Asigbo further urged politicians to shun money politics, inducement, and the criminal purchase of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He stressed that the will of the electorate must never be subverted by the corrupt influence of money in politics.

“Citizens’ choices must reflect genuine democratic expression, not financial manipulation,” he said.

Faith Nwadishi, the Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, revealed that CTA’s observation this year would focus on the conduct of political actors and party agents during the election.

According to her, the organization is monitoring the presence and activities of political parties at strategic locations, including polling units and collation centers, to ensure compliance with electoral laws and ethical standards.

She expressed concern over the poor representation of political parties during the distribution of sensitive materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Awka, where only six out of sixteen registered parties were reportedly present.

“It is worrisome that only six political parties deemed it necessary to attend such a crucial exercise. This raises questions about the seriousness and internal coordination of some parties ahead of the election,”Nwadishi lamented.

She added that CTA will also be monitoring the financial activities of political parties, including their campaign spending, funding sources, and deployment of agents to polling units, to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

“Our mission is to ensure that the political class upholds the spirit of democracy, and that the process is not corrupted by money or manipulation,”she added.