KDI flags high-risk LGAs ahead Anambra poll

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Kimpact Development Initiative has identified Aguata and Ihiala local government areas as severe-risk flashpoints ahead of tomorrow’s governorship election in Anambra State.

The civic organisation also listed Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ogbaru as high-risk areas where violence, voter suppression and disruptions are more likely to occur if preventive measures are not enforced.

KDI’s Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, disclosed this on Friday during a pre-election press briefing in Awka, under the Strengthening Electoral Accountability Project supported by the FCDO/PACE programme.

Idowu said the findings emerged from KDI’s ongoing monitoring of the political environment through its Nigeria Election Violence Education and Resolution project.

He said that although the general security outlook in the state was moderate, pockets of tension persisted in communities historically affected by political rivalry and intimidation.

He said, “Aguata and Ihiala are classified as severe-risk areas with high likelihood of election-day disturbances. Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ogbaru fall under high-risk. Other LGAs are moderate-risk, provided early warning signs are addressed swiftly.”

KDI urged security agencies to maintain professionalism, neutrality and non-intimidating visibility during deployment, stressing that rapid response mechanisms and intelligence-sharing would be crucial in safeguarding voters and election materials across the 21 LGAs.

Idowu said credible polls would depend on the timely deployment of election materials, transparent procedures and restraint by politicians and their supporters. He urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully and resist vote-buying.

He expressed concern over declining voter turnout in the state, noting that participation had dropped by over 58 per cent in eight years despite higher registration figures.

He said Anambra North, despite having the highest number of registered voters, had consistently recorded the lowest turnout due to geographical and logistical challenges in riverine areas such as Anambra East, Anambra West and Ogbaru.

“These conditions contribute to voter fatigue and disenfranchisement, which could lead to another low turnout if not addressed,” he said.

He also raised concerns over logistics, warning that the endorsement of the incumbent governor by major transport unions could affect neutrality in the movement of election materials.

Idowu noted that although INEC had shown improved engagement and technology readiness through BVAS and IReV, the late completion of ad-hoc staff training was a setback that left no room for competency evaluation.

KDI said it would release a midday update and a post-election statement after the poll.