Anambra Polls: CDD Rates INEC 72% on Early Deployment, Warns of Operational Gaps

Anambra Polls: CDD Rates INEC 72% on Early Deployment, Warns of Operational Gaps

…Vote trading threaten electoral integrity

From JOEL OLADELE, Awka

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has rated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 72 percent on early deployment during the ongoing Anambra Governorship Election, but warned that operational lapses, vote trading, and poor security coverage still marred the credibility of the process.

Releasing its preliminary findings through the Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) in Awka, the civic group said while most polling units opened on schedule, several recorded late arrivals of officials, BVAS malfunctions, and cases of inducement of voters across the state.

“Our observation shows that 72.2 percent of polling units opened on time, while 19.5 percent began between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.,” said Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD-West Africa.
“However, 5.4 percent experienced significant delays, with officials arriving after 10:00 a.m. These figures point to overall improvement in deployment, but also to persistent last-mile logistical gaps that must be addressed.”

CDD confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was deployed in all polling units observed, but warned that 3.8 percent of units failed to display the required zero count before accreditation began. In some locations in Anaocha, Idemili South, and Njikoka LGAs, the machines malfunctioned; failing to capture fingerprints or perform facial recognition, delaying voting.

Security presence was reported in 87.3 percent of polling units, leaving 12.7 percent without officers during early voting hours. The group expressed concern that rural and low-density areas were more affected by this uneven deployment.

“The lack of consistent security coverage exposes electoral officials and voters to undue risks and political interference,” CDD said in its statement.
Vote Trading and Inducements

CDD observers also reported rampant vote buying across several local government areas, particularly in Anambra Central and Anambra South zones, where party agents allegedly offered voters between ₦2,000 and ₦10,000 to influence their choices.

“At some polling units in Aguata, Ekwusigo, and Nnewi North LGAs, party agents were seen distributing cash and recording voter names,” the report noted. In a few instances, voters reportedly photographed their ballot papers to confirm compliance before receiving payments.

Garuba described the trend as a worrying continuation of transactional politics that cheapens the democratic process.

Despite youth enthusiasm during voter registration, turnout remained low in major urban centres such as Awka and Onitsha, as CDD attributed this to “disillusionment and fatigue with the political process.”

The report also documented cases of sexist remarks toward female candidates and limited accessibility for persons with disabilities at polling units, contrary to INEC’s inclusion commitments.

CDD said its fact-checkers identified at least 20 false claims circulating online by midday, including doctored videos and misleading reports of candidate withdrawals. It also confirmed an incident at Obodo Amagu Square, Orumba North LGA, where a ballot box was destroyed after a fight between party agents.

While commending voters for their resilience, the organisation urged INEC and security agencies to ensure transparency in result collation and to investigate reported offences.

“Vote trading, uneven security deployment, and logistical weaknesses remain serious threats to electoral credibility,” said Prof. Victor Adetula, Chair of CDD’s Election Analysis Centre. “We call on all stakeholders to stay vigilant, refrain from misinformation, and uphold the sanctity of the process.”

CDD said it would continue to monitor the collation and transmission stages of the election and issue further updates.