Ahead of Anambra State November 8th, 2025 Governorship Poll, the Cleen Foundation, an US-based non governmental organisation, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security Operatives to ensure violence-free and lawlessness-free electoral exercise in the State.
Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of the organisation made the call on Sunday during his visit to Onitsha in Anambra State.
He said that INEC and security agencies, supported by other stakeholders should address the multifaceted security risks in the State before the election.
“”Kidnappings and other violent crimes should be nipped in the bud to avoid the ugly past election experiences in the State.
“They must ensure adequate security measures and safety of election processes to regain public trust for a successful voter turnout.
“Regaining electorate trust is imperative, as the events of the 2003 and other general elections in the state may have resulted in voters losing faith in the voting process,” Maduoma said.
According to him, the election in Anambra State have a history marked by violence and political turmoil, particularly during the 2003 election in the state.
Maduoma revealed the extreme violence, intimidation, and thuggery prevalent during the 2003 election, including the abduction of an incumbent Governor Chris Ngige by Police officers, allegedly acting on the orders from his political “godfather.” Chris Uba.
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“This event occurred on July 10, 2003, where Ngige was forced to resign at gunpoint, though he was ultimately released, and regained his mandate.
“The 2003 election was also characterized by armed thugs, funded by politicians, who used violence to intimidate opponents and manipulate election outcomes. Critics faced targeted attacks, including arrests and killings, as documented by Human Rights Watch.
“The conflict between Ngige and Uba exemplified “godfatherism,” where powerful figures control the government for personal gains. Ngige’s refusal to allow Uba access to state resources escalated their rivalry, leading to further instability.
“After the 2003 elections, Anambra continued to suffer political chaos for years, with legal battles and violence causing unrest. In 2006, Ngige’s election victory was nullified due to fraud, enabling opposition candidate Mr Peter Obi to step into power.
“The violence did not cease, as the political landscape remained tumultuous, with no accountability for those involved in Ngige’s abduction or other political crimes, fostering a culture of impunity.
“In recent years, Anambra has seen a troubling trend of political violence, with reports indicating 14 politically linked killings between 2022 and 2024. A report by the Cleen Foundation highlighted this issue and warned that the ongoing violence could hinder the Nov. 8 guber election.
“The rise in violent incidents and security threats linked to small arms, kidnappings, and armed groups creates significant risks for the electoral process.
“The report also pointed to a growing atmosphere of insecurity that affects voter confidence. Specific local government areas are identified as high-risk, and the emergence of armed cult groups has intensified the volatile political climate.
“Clashes between political factions show how intra-party rivalries can escalate into violence. Moreover, the manipulation of information by politicians contributes to public distrust in the government and the electoral system”, he further stated.
