Rights group calls for credible and transparent poll
A leading human rights and pro-democracy organisation, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has called on eligible voters in Anambra State to come out en masse and participate in the upcoming November 8 governorship election.
The organisation urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the poll is free, fair, credible, and transparent. It emphasized that the electoral process must reflect the will of the people and build public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Intersociety made its position known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi. The group stressed that a credible election would not only strengthen democracy but also foster peace and stability in Anambra State and the wider Southeast region.
INEC urged to ensure transparency in voter data
In its statement, Intersociety tasked the electoral umpire to publish a comprehensive breakdown of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collections across the state. According to the group, this should be disaggregated by local government areas, wards, and polling units to enhance transparency and allow for public scrutiny.
The organisation also called on INEC to provide timely updates on any locations where voting may not take place due to security or logistical concerns. Such transparency, it said, would help reduce voter apathy and give citizens a clearer picture of the electoral environment.
“We urge INEC to guarantee credible, popular, and secured voting with transparent results,” Umeagbalasi stated.
Group encourages participation of 2.8 million voters
Anambra State currently has about 2.8 million registered voters. Intersociety encouraged all eligible citizens to exercise their civic responsibility by turning out to vote. The group noted that high voter participation is essential for deepening democracy and ensuring that the eventual winner enjoys broad-based legitimacy.
The organisation further called on political parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the election. It stressed that the democratic process should be about ideas and service to the people, not violence or intimidation.
Support for Anambra’s Charter of Equity
Intersociety also expressed goodwill to Governor Charles Soludo as he seeks a second term in office. The group clarified that its position was based on the Anambra Charter of Equity, a political understanding that encourages power rotation among the three senatorial zones in the state.
“Our goodwill message to Governor Soludo is based on the firm belief that it is the inalienable right and turn of the Old Aguata people, a part of Anambra South, to democratically govern Anambra State in line with the state’s Charter of Equity,” the statement read.
The group further noted that when power rotates back to Anambra South in the future, the Nnewi and Ekwusigo areas should also be considered to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and equity in governance.
Security and fairness key to a successful election
Intersociety highlighted the need for adequate security measures during the poll to protect voters, election officials, and electoral materials. It urged security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the process to guarantee the credibility of the election.
The organisation also encouraged civil society groups, religious institutions, and the media to play active roles in monitoring the election and promoting voter education.
Tribute to late journalist Alphonsus Ejiofor Nweze
Meanwhile, Intersociety commended the Anambra State Government for its recent show of solidarity with the family of late journalist Alphonsus Ejiofor Nweze, who died in an auto crash in Asaba, Delta State.
“We appeal to the government to complement its gesture with tangible support to the family by assisting during the funeral and helping his wife and children,” Intersociety stated.
The organisation described Nweze as a respected journalist who contributed significantly to the development of the media landscape in the Southeast. It urged the government, media houses, and civil society groups to continue supporting the welfare of journalists and their families.
Stakeholders urged to build public trust
As the November 8 governorship election approaches, Intersociety reiterated its call for all stakeholders — including INEC, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, and the media — to work together to deliver a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.
The group emphasized that when voters believe in the electoral process, they are more likely to participate actively, which ultimately strengthens democracy and good governance.
