Anambra State is rigorously preparing for its governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, with intense final arrangements underway across its 21 local government areas and over 5000 polling units. The political atmosphere is charged with last-minute campaigning and logistical deployments, as various stakeholders eye the outcome of this crucial poll.

On Friday evening, residents of Osumenyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area converged at the residence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, to express their fervent support. The gathering, comprising both young and elderly, saw many clad in APC branded attire, dancing to native music. Supporters, including 55-year-old Uchenna Figo, lauded Ukachukwu's extensive philanthropic gestures and deep connection with the populace, citing personal benefits and his history of community development. Romanus Chimandubisi, chairman of Ukachukwu’s community, affirmed the strong solidarity and expressed optimism for an APC victory, noting the peaceful security situation. Similarly, Orji Chukwu, a local secondary school principal, emphasized Ukachukwu's reputation as a philanthropist and the community's belief that he is the ideal candidate to effect change in Anambra State.

The incumbent governor, Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), faces a mixed electoral outlook. While some political analysts anticipate an easy win, residents voiced varied sentiments. Chijioke, a tricycle rider in Awka, acknowledged positive reforms under Soludo’s administration, such as reduced daily ticket costs and anti-theft barcode registrations for tricycles, yet expressed concern about the governor potentially prioritizing personal enrichment in a second term. These apprehensions were echoed by others, though the advantage of incumbency was also recognized. In Nnewi North, a resident named Chukwuemeka noted improved security under Soludo but remained undecided between him and Ukachukwu. Furthermore, a breach of electoral law was observed as Soludo’s campaign banners were conspicuously displayed near the INEC office in Anaocha on Friday evening, violating Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which prohibits public campaigning within 24 hours of polling, carrying a potential fine of N500,000.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been intensifying its preparations for the election. Distribution of sensitive election materials to local government areas began on Thursday, with non-sensitive materials like cubicles being moved to various registration areas on Friday. Ad hoc staff, predominantly corps members, were actively involved in deploying materials and receiving final directives. At the Ogbaru LGA office in Atani, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were still being charged late into Friday night using a generator, indicating last-minute logistical efforts, as observed by waiting party agents. In Anaocha, sensitive materials were dispatched to registration centers under tight security. INEC reported a remarkable 98.8% Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate, with 2,769,137 out of 2,802,790 registered voters having collected their cards following an extended collection period. Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) completed their deployment formalities, meticulously sorting and cross-checking ballot papers and result sheets under supervision to ensure accountability and accuracy.

Security measures are a paramount concern, with a significant deployment of heavily armed police and other security operatives across the state. Aerial surveillance was conducted by the Nigeria Police Airwing over Awka and its environs. A comprehensive restriction on human and vehicular movements, including all motorized transportation, will be enforced from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day, covering all roads within and transiting through the state. Exemptions are strictly for persons on essential duties with valid identification, aiming to deter political thugs and criminal elements from disrupting the electoral process. Despite a generally calm atmosphere reported in Awka and Nnewi North on Friday, specific areas such as Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and border communities like Lilu, Azia, and Amorka remain identified security hotspots. The Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat still shows unrepaired damage from a July 2024 gunmen attack. Historical security challenges include the abduction and killing of state lawmakers and the disappearance of a 2021 Labour Party candidate, leading to some communities being deserted due to persistent attacks. Concerns also exist regarding weak oversight of vigilante groups, potentially contributing to lower voter turnout.

Civil society organizations are actively monitoring the electoral process. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expressed satisfaction with the relatively peaceful pre-election atmosphere, contrasting it with previous tense elections, and hoped it would encourage greater voter turnout, which historically has been low in Anambra. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) acknowledged INEC's improved preparations but highlighted concerns regarding fragile public confidence due to logistical gaps in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process and delays in judicial rulings concerning candidate eligibility. CDD also pointed to the inability of political parties to effectively mobilize and sensitize voters, and the weakening of electoral competitiveness due to internal crises within major opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). CDD deployed a robust team, including 178 accredited observers, 57 grassroots monitors (