Ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, a socio-political group, the Igbo Political Network (IPN), has mobilised and deployed over 5,000 independent observers to monitor the exercise and report any irregularities during the polls.
The group said the Anambra election holds “historic significance” not just for the state but for the entire South-East region, describing it as a defining moment in Igbo political consciousness.
Speaking at a press conference in Enugu on Monday, the President of the Igbo Political Network, Chief Alex Okemiri, said the organisation’s decision to deploy thousands of observers was driven by its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and credibility in the electoral process.
“All eyes are on Anambra State come November 8, 2025. This election is epochal for our people. Leaders from Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States are watching closely because it represents a major test of our political history as Ndigbo. We must ensure it is free, fair, and credible,” Okemiri said.
He added that since its formation in 2015, IPN has championed the political and economic interests of the Igbo people through advocacy for peaceful participation, fair competition, and the elimination of electoral malpractice.
“We have consistently worked to make sure votes in Igbo land count and that political thuggery is eradicated. Our mission has always been to create a political environment where candidates can contest freely without external manipulation,” he explained.
Okemiri revealed that despite limited financial resources, the group was able to mobilise volunteers to serve as independent observers across all 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
“Yes, the economy is tough, but this election is too important to ignore. We must do the needful from our individual contributions because of the premium Ndigbo place on this governorship election,” he said.
The IPN President also appealed to the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to ensure impartiality and professionalism throughout the process.
“This election is the new INEC Chairman’s first major national test. We call on him to live above board and make sure every vote counts. Nigerians, and particularly Ndigbo, are watching closely,” Okemiri warned.
He further urged security agencies to act ethically and maintain neutrality during the polls, cautioning against acts of intimidation, vote-buying, and harassment of voters.
“Security operatives must conduct themselves professionally. We will not hesitate to expose and report any form of vote-buying or voter intimidation. Our observers are trained to ensure that the people’s will prevails,” he stated.
Okemiri reaffirmed that the Igbo Political Network remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and credible elections across the South-East, stressing that the outcome of the Anambra poll must reflect the genuine wishes of the electorate.
“This election is not just about Anambra—it is a statement about who we are as a people. It must be peaceful, transparent, and a victory for democracy,” he concluded.
