Photo Credit: Ikenna Obianeri
By Maryjane Austine
Yiaga Africa to Deploy 687 Observers for Anambra Governorship Election
Election monitoring group, Yiaga Africa, has announced the deployment of no fewer than 687 observers to ensure effective monitoring of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
The Chair of the 2025 Anambra Election Mission, Dr. Asmau Maikudi, made this known on Thursday during a pre-election press conference in Awka.
According to Maikudi, the observation will focus on key areas such as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparedness, election logistics, security, and voter participation, noting that efficiency, integrity, and impartiality will determine the success of the election.
The press briefing, themed “Anambra 2025: Efficiency, Integrity and Impartiality Will Make or Mar the Election,” was jointly addressed by Maikudi and Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo.
She disclosed that the group has identified six local government areas—Orumba North, Orumba South, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata—as potential security flashpoints ahead of the poll.
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“These LGAs are considered potential hotspots, with some communities under threat from non-state armed groups that would require more deliberate and intelligence-informed deployment of security personnel,” Maikudi stated.
She explained that Yiaga Africa’s “Watching the Vote” initiative is part of a broader Election Observation Hub supported by the European Union (EU) under the EU Support for Democratic Governance Project.
The hub includes organisations such as The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre, Centre for Media and Society, Nigeria Women Trust Fund, ElectHER, and TAF Africa. Together, they will monitor various aspects of the election, including results verification, disability inclusion, gender participation, peacebuilding, misinformation tracking, and logistics.
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Maikudi added that Yiaga Africa had earlier issued a Joint Pre-Election Assessment Report, which analysed the political climate, security situation, media environment, and inclusion of women and persons with disabilities, providing 66 recommendations to enhance electoral credibility and institutional preparedness.
However, she expressed concern about low voter enthusiasm, noting that many residents appeared disinterested in the process due to a lack of trust in the electoral system.
“The pre-election environment has remained relatively passive, with narratives indicating a lack of trust in the electoral process and outcomes. This is evident in the low number of new registrants and poor collection of Permanent Voter Cards,” Maikudi said.
She further noted that a significant number of young people eligible to vote have shown little interest in registering or participating in the upcoming election.
