By Tony Okafor
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the date for the Anambra State governorship poll on Thursday, October 17, 2024, scheduling it for November 8, 2025.
With the date now known, history beckons for Anambra as a pivotal state in Nigeria.
Prioritizing peace, transparency, and issue-based discourses throughout the electioneering process is crucial.
The electoral process, a cornerstone of democracy, allows citizens to choose leaders and shape their future.
However, elections can spark tension and conflict. It’s essential for stakeholders to work towards a peaceful and transparent process.
We urge political parties to focus on viable solutions to Anambra’s challenges, rather than inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks.
This election should address people’s needs, not individual interests.
Violence and brigandage undermine the electoral process, and Anambra people should reject these.
Voter education, sensitization, and mobilization are vital. Citizens must participate actively to ensure a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful election.
To contestants, we say: campaign on issues, not insults.
To stakeholders, promote peace and transparency. To supporters, demand issue-based discourses. To INEC, continue transparency and accountability. To Anambra citizens, exercise your right according to law.
INEC demonstrated commitment by announcing the election date early. We urge the commission to maintain transparency and accountability while security agencies ensure a secure environment.
The media should play its role ethically, safeguarding the electoral process’s integrity and ensuring citizens’ voices are heard.
By doing so, we can build a stronger, more democratic state where elections celebrate freedom and choice.
May Anambra’s electoral light shine so bright, guiding Nigeria through the path of democracy.
