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Surge in Political Killings Threatens Anambra’s 2025 Governorship Poll
Between 2022 and 2024, Anambra State has experienced at least 14 politically motivated assassinations, a recent analysis by the Cleen Foundation reveals. This alarming trend raises significant concerns about the security landscape ahead of the November 2025 governorship election.
Insights from the 2025 Anambra Election Security Threat Assessment
During the public unveiling of the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment Report in Abuja, Salaudeen Hashim, the foundation’s Director of Programmes, emphasized the urgency of addressing this escalating violence. He described the pattern of targeted killings as “a deeply troubling development demanding immediate intervention.”
Hashim highlighted that over the past two years, the state has recorded 213 fatalities linked to various violent incidents, including attacks on nine Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities. The 14 political assassinations within this timeframe underscore the volatile environment surrounding the upcoming election.
Underlying Factors Fueling Violence
The report attributes the surge in violence to a combination of factors such as rampant insecurity, the widespread availability of small arms, kidnappings, and the activities of armed factions. Political rivalries have increasingly turned hostile, with local political institutions becoming highly polarized and prone to conflict.
Additional challenges identified include the influence of youth gangs, escalating drug abuse, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. These elements, coupled with intense political competition, are expected to amplify security risks as the election approaches.
Small Arms Proliferation: A Critical Concern
Hashim pointed out that the proliferation and use of small arms in various communities remain a significant threat. Reports indicate that these weapons are frequently employed in local disputes, exacerbating the potential for violence during the electoral period.
Priority Areas for Security Intervention
Security agencies have been urged to focus their efforts on high-risk local government areas, including Ihiala, Ogbaru, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Onitsha North, all of which have recently experienced violent episodes. Targeted security measures in these hotspots are crucial to curbing further escalation.
Proactive Measures and Monitoring
To enhance election security, the Cleen Foundation plans to inaugurate an Electoral Security Support Centre on November 7, 2024. This center will actively monitor developments before, during, and after the election, collaborating closely with security agencies to mitigate emerging threats.
Peter Maduoma, the foundation’s Acting Executive Director, stressed that the report serves as an early warning system for all election stakeholders. “With effective security management, Anambra has the potential to conduct one of the most credible elections in recent history,” he remarked.
Historical Context of Political Violence in Anambra
Anambra has a troubling history of politically motivated violence. For instance, in May 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, a legislator representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s constituency, along with his aide Cyril Chiegboka, were abducted and subsequently killed in Anaocha Local Government Area.
Similarly, Justice Azuka, a representative for Onitsha North 1 state constituency, was kidnapped on Christmas Eve 2024 and was later discovered deceased on February 6, 2025, underscoring the persistent threat to political figures in the state.
Looking Ahead
With the governorship election slated for November 8, 2025, the convergence of political violence, armed group activities, and misinformation poses a formidable challenge to peaceful democratic processes in Anambra. Coordinated efforts between civil society, security agencies, and political actors will be essential to safeguard the electoral environment and uphold democratic integrity.
