Anambra 2025: CDD Decries Poor Representation of Women, PWDs

Anambra 2025: CDD Decries Poor Representation of Women, PWDs

…Predicts low voter turnout despite 98.8% PVC collection rate among 2.8m registered voters

From JOEL OLADELE, Awka

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa) has expressed concern over the poor representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, warning that the contest also risks low voter turnout despite impressive Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection figures.

Speaking at a preliminary press briefing in Awka on Friday to mark the opening of its Election Analysis Centre (EAC), the organisation said the November 8, 2025 election would test the resilience and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s democracy under the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), headed by Professor Joash Amupitan.

According to CDD, only two women; both from minor political parties are on the ballot, while no candidate with disabilities is participating in the election. The organisation described this as a “disturbing reflection of the shrinking space for inclusion in Nigeria’s political process.”

“Exclusion persists. Only two women are contesting, both from minor parties. There are no PWD candidates, and polling accessibility remains weak,” the group stated.

While commending INEC’s report of a 98.8 per cent PVC collection rate among the 2,802,790 registered voters in the state, CDD warned that this may not translate into a corresponding turnout at the polls.

“It is ordinarily heartening to note INEC’s report of a 98.8% PVC collection rate, but there is concern that this will not translate into a high enough voter turnout,” the group noted.

CDD also highlighted lingering concerns over institutional readiness, weak party structures, and the fragile confidence of voters in the electoral process. It observed that major political parties had failed to mobilise and sensitise citizens effectively, while internal divisions continue to dampen electoral competitiveness.

“The internal crisis within Nigeria’s major political parties has weakened electoral competitiveness in the Anambra governorship election,” the statement added.

On security, the organisation identified Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and border communities such as Lilu, Azia, and Amorka as potential flashpoints, citing “weak oversight of vigilante groups and the long-standing violent environment” as threats to safe participation.

To safeguard the process, CDD said it had deployed 178 trained observers across the 21 local government areas, 57 grassroots monitors, dubbed “Soldiers of Mouth” to counter misinformation and hate speech, and 30 mandate protection observers to report irregularities.

The organisation also identified seven patterns of disinformation threatening the credibility of the election, including false claims about INEC’s preparedness, weaponisation of insecurity narratives, partisan attacks on security agencies, and gendered hate speech designed to discourage women’s participation.

To counter this, the group has launched an information monitoring network and urged citizens to report suspicious content to its WhatsApp helpline at +234 704 150 2298.

CDD further urged INEC to ensure transparency and technological reliability, the judiciary to expedite rulings on candidate disputes, and security agencies to act professionally without intimidation or bias.

“The 2025 Anambra governorship election is more than a sub-national election. All actors must prioritise national interest, protect democratic integrity, and ensure a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election,” the statement concluded.