By Titus Eleweke
As Anambra State inches toward the November 8 governorship election in eight days time, an uneasy calm hovers over the land. What should be a celebration of democracy ,campaigns, debates, civic engagement , is instead tainted by tension, distrust, and anxiety.
This election is fast shaping up as a test not just of ballots, but of belief: belief in the system, in security, and in the promise that every vote counts.
A recent early-warning report by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) paints a worrisome picture,the pre-election climate is marred by “persistent political rivalry, insecurity and public distrust in state institutions.”
Separatist agitations may have waned, but non-electoral violence has grown and dangerously, it’s now detached from the election calendar.
From town-union clashes to traditional rulership disputes, local conflicts threaten to ignite under political heat. Worse still, citizens in several LGAs admit they don’t trust security agents to stay neutral.
Political parties, instead of inspiring competition, are stoking confusion. Intra-party disputes and candidate wrangling have weakened internal discipline.
Smear campaigns, personal attacks, and personal attacks undertones have replaced policy debates , fanning fear and deepening divisions.
Even the debate over zoning , whether it’s the turn of one senatorial district or another has turned from principle to provocation. Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s warning against “disrupting the zoning arrangement” only underscores how combustible the issue has become.
Insecurity and distrust are breeding apathy. In 2021, voter turnout slumped to just 10.3% one of the lowest in the country.
The KDI and CLEEN Foundation both warn that, without visible trust-building by INEC and security agencies, history may repeat itself or worsen.
Democracy falters when fear replaces participation.
An election won under fear cannot command true authority. Legitimacy comes not from INEC’s announcement, but from citizens’ confidence.
Anambra’s economy and regional influence depend on peace and predictability. A tainted poll threatens both.How this election is conducted will echo into future cycles strengthening faith in democracy or deepening despair and every voter who stays home out of fear surrenders a piece of his voice and democracy loses some of its soul.
Words are no longer enough. Citizens must see security forces acting with neutrality and discipline, especially in flashpoint LGAs like Ihiala, Aguata, and Awka South.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has pledged zero tolerance for disruption and intensified coordination across security formations. He has warned criminal elements to stay away and assured voters of protection. The people will hold him to his word.
INEC must prove not just promise readiness. Voter cards, BVAS machines, logistics, and transparent communication must work seamlessly. Credibility is built in the details.
Candidates and parties must commit publicly to peace. No more hate speeches, no more identity politics. Democracy is not a war to be won; it’s a trust to be kept.
Civil society, community leaders, and faith groups have a duty to rebuild trust. Voters must know their voices matter, their ballots count, and their courage is not in vain.
This off-season election offers Anambra a rare choice to reaffirm its democratic character or to let fear dictate the process.
If panic and distrust prevail, even a legally valid election will carry the stain of moral defeat.
But if citizens turn up , confident, protected, and determined Anambra could set a new standard for credible, peaceful elections in Nigeria.
The people of Anambra deserve nothing less. On November 8, the choice is not merely between candidates it is between fear and freedom.
Titus Eleweke is a journalist and political commentator based in Anambra State
