By Tony Okafor
Twice in recent weeks, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has raised serious concerns about possible attempts to rig the forthcoming governorship election — a concern that echoes the fears of many citizens who have lost faith in the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
As Anambra marches toward the November 8 governorship poll, Soludo’s repeated concerns should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric.
At a rally in Awka South Local Government Area, where he canvassed support for his re-election under the banner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Governor Soludo called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that votes are not only cast but also counted and announced transparently.
His call for a free, fair, and credible poll is not self-serving; it is a patriotic reminder that the ballot box remains the cornerstone of democracy.
Again, Soludo recently sounded an even louder alarm in Abuja during a panel discussion on “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.”
In his words, “Some politicians in Anambra State are sleeping in INEC offices.” This metaphor — or perhaps grim reality — paints a disturbing picture of desperation within Anambra’s political space. It suggests that some political actors are more interested in subverting the will of the people through backdoor manipulations than testing their popularity at the ballot box.
The governor’s concern captures a deep-seated malaise in Nigerian politics — the toxic belief that elections cannot hold without “wayo” or “wuruwuru.” This cynical mindset corrodes public confidence and undermines years of investment in electoral reforms.
INEC’s credibility will be judged not by lofty assurances but by how firmly it resists political interference and ensures that every vote truly counts.
It is therefore imperative that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant federal authorities rise above partisanship. They must act — and be seen to act — with strict neutrality. The credibility of the November 8 poll is not just about who becomes governor; it is about preserving the moral foundation of democracy in Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Federal Government must also resist any temptation, subtle or overt, to tilt the scales in favour of any party. Anambra has long been a fiercely independent, politically enlightened, and historically vocal state. Any attempt to manipulate the people’s will risks provoking widespread disillusionment.
As Governor Soludo rightly observed, Nigeria’s electoral journey has made progress — “the difference is like the difference between day and night.” But this fragile progress must not be reversed by desperation or impunity. The eyes of the nation — and indeed the world — will be on Anambra come November 8.
Governor Soludo has spoken. He has pleaded for integrity in the process. The question remains: Who is listening?
If INEC and the security agencies fail to heed this call, the echoes of this election will not fade quickly. History will remember not just the winner of the poll, but also those who chose silence when democracy called for vigilance.
