INEC: Anambra election will test resilience of Nigeria’s democracy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the Anambra governorship election will further test the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.

Festus Okoye, INEC national commissioner, spoke on Wednesday at a stakeholders forum on the election which is billed to hold on Saturday, November 6.

Okoye said the commission is determined to conduct a free and fair election, despite the “difficult” situation.

“This commission conducted the Edo and Ondo governorship elections under very difficult circumstances. The commission conducted the elections at a time of global uncertainty and fear accentuated by a pandemic whose unique nuances were still evolving,” he said.

“The commission conducted elections at a time when advanced countries rescheduled, postponed or abandoned their elections on account of the pandemic.

“Under the leadership of the chairman, the commission developed a unique electoral continuity plan anchored on technology, courage and resilience and conducted both elections.

“The Anambra governorship election has its own unique features and characteristics. It is being conducted in difficult circumstances. The election will further test the resilience of our democracy and democratic institutions.

“It will test our determination and resolve to conduct elections in difficult circumstances.”

Okoye said the agitations in different parts of the country, including Anambra state, are not new to “deeply divided societies like Nigeria challenged by contestations around nationhood and citizenship”.

“In these agitations, democracy still offers the best opportunity for addressing them in a peaceful manner and that’s why it is in the interest of Nigeria and those genuinely interested in a stronger Nigeria and the progress of the country’s electoral democracy to create enabling environment for peaceful election on Saturday November 6, 2021,” he said. 

“There is no doubt that democracy is not a finished product but a work in progress. We believe that it is in the interest of our democracy, the interest of the people of Anambra State and in the interest of the people of Nigeria to conduct an acceptable election in Anambra state.”