The Independent National Electoral Commission has hosted a sensitization workshop aimed at addressing violence and other challenges that could threaten the integrity of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The workshop, titled “Electoral Risk Management (ERM) Sensitization Workshop for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election,” was held at the Geneva Hotel in Awka.
It brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Orientation Agency, Civil Society Organizations, and the media.
In her keynote address, INEC’s National Commissioner for the Planning, Monitoring, and Strategy Committee, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting an election that would be free, fair, credible, and accepted by the people of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
She emphasized that for the election to be successful, it is critical for stakeholders to identify potential challenges, understand risk factors, analyze risk data, and proactively work to mitigate any election-related risks. She identified insecurity as one of the major challenges for the upcoming election and cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric by politicians, urging stakeholders to avoid inciting hate speech, which could escalate tensions in the political atmosphere.
“All of these risk factors, if not properly managed, could hamper the conduct of a credible election. While electoral violence and other external factors are often prioritized when identifying risks, we must also pay serious attention to internal factors such as INEC’s logistics, recruitment, training and posting, payment of ad-hoc staff, and adherence to the Commission’s standard processes and procedures,” Gumus stated.
Prof. Gumus further explained that INEC had adopted Election Risk Management as one of its primary strategies, which has helped the Commission enhance its ability to identify, analyze, and take preventive measures against election-related insecurity and other challenges.
She concluded by stressing that conducting a successful election is a collective responsibility, requiring the cooperation of security agencies, the media, and other stakeholders.
In her welcome address, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Ugwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, described ERM as a critical element in INEC’s preparations for a violence-free governorship election. She emphasized that the safety, fairness, and transparency of the electoral process are shared responsibilities.
“Therefore, the objective of today’s workshop is not only to deepen our understanding of potential threats to the electoral process but also to foster collaboration where intelligence, innovative strategies, and stronger networks can be developed for the successful conduct of the forthcoming election,” Ugwu said. “In addition, it will facilitate the exchange of risk information among stakeholders and strengthen INEC’s capacity to collect and analyze data to improve situational awareness.”
Dr. Ugwu also called on security agencies to continue supporting the Commission as they work together to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Dr. Jennifer Ikechukwu presented a paper during the workshop, aiming to familiarize participants with INEC’s Electoral Risk Framework, identify internal and external risks associated with the governorship election, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
Representatives from security agencies commended INEC for its ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy and maintain national unity. They assured the Commission of their full support, pledging to provide adequate security before, during, and after the election.
The workshop also included interactive sessions and question-and-answer segments, allowing stakeholders to discuss concerns and strategies for ensuring a peaceful and credible election in Anambra.
