Despite alleged threats by Biafra separatists, Anambra’s governorship election will be held on November 6, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says.
The current spate of attacks in the South-East, which are blamed on the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) militia, had threatened the polls.
But following a renewed military operation in the region, INEC, Tuesday, said the Anambra election will go ahead.
“Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated markedly since our last meeting. Many innocent persons have been killed and property destroyed,” INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu said.
“From the reports, we have received, the stated goal of many of the assailants is that the governorship election scheduled for 6 November 2021 must not hold.
“This is worrisome for the commission. We are deeply concerned that specific electoral facilities and materials could once more become targets of attack. Recall that in May this year, our State Office at Awka was attacked and all the non-sensitive materials assembled for the election at the time were destroyed.
“In addition, our store, collation centre and the main office building were either totally or substantially damaged. The Commission also lost several vehicles to be used for the election.
“To underscore this determination, the commission is implementing two more activities on the Timetable for the election in the next few days.
“The register of voters will be presented to political parties in Awka on Thursday 7 October 2021. On the same day, the commission will publish the final list of candidates for the election,” he said.
