The Igbo Political Network (IPN) has announced the mobilization and deployment of over 5,000 independent observers (IOs) to closely monitor the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the group's president, Chief Alex Okemiri, aims to identify and report any irregularities, ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in the South-East region.

In a statement issued from Abakaliki, Chief Okemiri emphasized the critical importance for Igbos to resist all forms of intimidation and marginalization in their political affairs. He underscored that the upcoming Anambra gubernatorial polls are not merely a local event but a historic political milestone for the entire South-East, attracting keen interest from political leaders across Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo states. The election is viewed as a significant test for the political history of the Igbo people, necessitating collective effort to ensure its integrity and prevent it from being manipulated in favor of any particular candidate.

The IPN's commitment extends beyond mere observation; the organization has historically worked to protect the political and economic interests of Igbos since 2015. They advocate for fair political activities and ethos to improve the lot of the Igbo people, promoting peace and a level playing field. A core objective is to ensure that votes cast in Igbo land truly count and to eradicate political thuggery, urging candidates to conduct their campaigns free from external political manipulation. The network has taken exhaustive measures to ensure that voters can cast their ballots peacefully, free from interference.

Chief Okemiri stressed that a successful election requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including politicians, security agencies, and electoral officers, to foster a peaceful atmosphere and guarantee a level playing field. The deployment of 5,000 independent observers is specifically intended to ensure that the election's outcome genuinely reflects the will of the people, thereby countering widespread insinuations about political violence in the South-East region. Despite economic challenges, the IPN highlights the premium Ndigbo place on this election, urging individuals to contribute to its success.

Furthermore, the IPN made a direct appeal to the newly appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan. Chief Okemiri called upon Prof. Amupitan to demonstrate impartiality, live above board, and ensure that every vote is accurately counted in the Anambra election. He reminded the INEC Chairman that this is his inaugural primary national assignment, with the eyes of the world, and particularly Ndigbo, watching closely to see how the winner and loser emerge. Prof. Amupitan was urged to maintain honesty, unbiased conduct, and transparency throughout the electoral process.

Finally, Chief Okemiri appealed to all security agencies to uphold professionalism and ethical standards amidst the high expectations surrounding the polls. He specifically charged them to diligently work towards preventing vote buying, both before and during the election process, ensuring a clean and fair contest.