Insecurity in Anambra State: Expert Analyst Calls It a Tool for Political Oppression Ahead of 2025 Elections

Introduction

In Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, ongoing insecurity challenges have raised alarms about their role in undermining democracy. Research Analyst Dengiyefa Angalapu from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) recently asserted that insecurity remains a deliberate instrument for political oppression in the state. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Angalapu highlighted how flashpoints of violence are exploited to target political opponents, especially as the state gears up for its 2025 governorship election.

This perspective comes at a critical time for Anambra, a state historically dominated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and known for pioneering electronic voting technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Angalapu’s comments underscore persistent issues of money politics and the need for security agencies to prevent disruptions. Understanding insecurity in Anambra as a political tool is essential for grasping threats to electoral integrity in Nigeria’s Southeast region, where ethnic tensions and criminal activities often intersect with partisan rivalries.

Pedagogically, insecurity here refers not just to general crime but targeted violence that suppresses voter turnout, intimidates candidates, and favors incumbents. As Anambra approaches its off-cycle polls, stakeholders must address these dynamics to restore confidence in democratic processes nationwide.

Analysis

Insecurity as a Device for Political Oppression

Angalapu explicitly stated, “Insecurity remains an instrument for political oppression in Anambra State.” This claim is rooted in observable patterns from past elections, where violence at flashpoints—such as known hotspots for cult clashes or unknown gunmen attacks—has been leveraged against rivals. In Anambra, insecurity manifests through kidnappings, assassinations, and communal clashes, often timed around electoral cycles. For instance, during previous polls, reports from credible observers like Yiaga Africa documented how such incidents disproportionately affected opposition figures, tilting the playing field.

The analyst emphasized that these flashpoints “may be exploited to oppress political combatants,” illustrating a strategic use of chaos. This aligns with broader trends in Nigerian politics, where non-state actors sometimes collude with political interests, as noted in CDD’s research on electoral violence.

Money Politics and Security Agencies’ Role

A key concern raised is the dominance of “money politics” in Anambra elections. Angalapu warned that financial inducements will play a “very giant role,” urging anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to intensify efforts. Security forces must ensure these do not disrupt the process, as voters have indicated inducements could sway outcomes.

In pedagogical terms, money politics involves vote-buying, where cash is exchanged for ballots, eroding merit-based democracy. Anambra’s urban density and economic vibrancy make it a hotspot for such practices.

Electoral Innovations: IReV and BVAS in Anambra

Anambra holds a pioneering position as the first state for large-scale deployment of BVAS and IReV during elections. BVAS uses biometric verification to accredit voters, reducing multiple voting, while IReV allows real-time result uploads for public viewing, enhancing transparency. Angalapu expressed hope that Anambra could “rebuild confidence in democratic institutions” as Nigeria advances toward the 2027 general elections through these digital tools.

These technologies, introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have shown promise in curbing rigging, with post-2023 analyses by Premium Times indicating higher credibility in states like Anambra.

Summary

In summary, Dengiyefa Angalapu’s analysis frames insecurity in Anambra as a tool for political oppression, amplified by money politics and countered potentially by electoral tech. As the 2025 Anambra governorship election nears, bolstering security and anti-corruption measures is vital to safeguard democracy.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Voters and Civil Society

Voters in Anambra should report suspicious activities via INEC’s hotlines and use the IReV portal to verify results. Civil society groups like Enough is Enough Nigeria can deploy domestic observers trained in spotting insecurity manipulations.

For Political Parties and Candidates

Parties must commit to issue-based campaigns over financial inducements. Candidates should engage community leaders to de-escalate flashpoints and support police-community policing forums.

For Security Agencies

Deploy neutral forces to hotspots, collaborate with EFCC on vote-buying probes, and ensure BVAS protection. Training on electoral security protocols, as per INEC guidelines, is crucial.

Points of Caution

Failure to curb insecurity risks low voter turnout, as seen in 2021 Anambra polls where turnout dipped below 10% amid violence fears (INEC data). Unchecked money politics could invalidate results via tribunal challenges. Over-reliance on tech without addressing human elements like network failures in IReV might erode trust further. Politicians must avoid inflammatory rhetoric that fuels ethnic divisions in the Southeast, where IPOB-related sit-at-home orders have compounded insecurity.

Comparison

Anambra vs. Other Nigerian States

Unlike Lagos, with urban vote-buying but lower violence, Anambra’s insecurity blends with Southeast militancy, similar to Imo and Enugu. In contrast to Kano’s ethno-religious clashes, Anambra’s issues stem more from cultism and political vendettas. Nationally, the 2023 elections showed BVAS reducing fraud by 60% (INEC), but violence persisted in 12 states, per Situation Room reports.

Past vs. Upcoming Elections

Compared to 2021, where APGA’s Soludo won amid disruptions, 2025 could benefit from matured tech but faces heightened stakes with national party incursions.

Legal Implications

Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022, Section 130 prohibits security agents from partisan actions, with violations punishable by fines or imprisonment. Using insecurity for oppression contravenes Section 24(e) of the 1999 Constitution, mandating citizens’ security. INEC can suspend polls in violent areas (Section 52), and courts have nullified elections for violence, as in the 2019 Kogi case. Anti-graft probes fall under EFCC Act 2004, enabling asset forfeiture for illicit campaign funds. Breaches could lead to disqualifications or prosecutions, emphasizing neutrality.

Conclusion

Angalapu’s insights illuminate how insecurity in Anambra threatens political freedom, but with robust interventions, the state can lead in electoral reforms. Stakeholders must act decisively for credible 2025 polls and a stronger Nigerian democracy.

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