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By Dickson Okafor
Dr. Uche Ifediba, National President, Advocacy for Transparent Governance and Promotion Initiative (ATGPI) said the Anambra November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election will be a litmus test for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its image.
He speaks about the chances of former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, should they decide to join the PDP in the build up to the 2027 presidential election.
Excerpts:
On November 8, the people of Anambra State will head to the poll to elect a governor, do you think the wish of the electorate will count?
Yes, going by the recent statement of the Independent t National Electoral Commission (INEC), in which it assured not only the people of Anambra State, but Nigerians of the commission’s independence and commitment to working according to the law especially during the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State and other elections. To me, it is a welcome development because it seems as though the electoral umpire is aware of the dwindling confidence of the people in its ability to conduct free and fair elections. However, the call by the INEC for stakeholders to watch the commission’s activities closely beginning with the November 8 governorship in Anambra State is really a good way to announce its readiness to always live up to the expectations of the people. To say the least, this assurance of transparency by the INEC is highly significant.
Truly, with the series of dispiriting electoral outings in the past which had gotten many Nigerians fed up with electoral process and conduct of elections by INEC, it is left to INEC to redeem its image and restore the confidence of Nigerians in the commission and future elections. The people must decide who govern them. So, let’s test INEC’s capability to conduct free and fair election with the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. Nigerians are eager to see credible elections in all parts of the country not only in Anambra State as INEC’s success or failure has far-reaching implications for our democratic process. Like I said earlier, one thing is certain; the Anambra State governorship election will be another defining moment for the commission. No excuse will would be acceptable this time around given the country’s huge investment on INEC. It should lack neither the requisite personnel nor materials to perform. This time it is expected to develop the technical marvel that will enable it function without hitch. So, with the assurance from INEC, Anambra State governorship election in November will set a new template for the conduct of free and fair election by INEC in Nigeria.
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Many see the November 8 election in Anambra State as a mere formality with political romance going on between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Charles Soludo, what is your reaction?
Don’t forget that President Tinubu and Governor Soludo’s relationship did not start today, but dated back 20 years ago, hence, under free and fair election Soludo with his achievements within four years, deserve a second term as Governor of Anambra State. From 1999, elections in Anambra State have been free and fair except the era of Sen. Chris Ngige and Peter Obi when court decided the winner. And I don’t believe that the cordial relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Soludo is geared towards ensuring Soludo wins through rigging. There is no vacancy in Anambra State Government House, Awka. Notwithstanding, from the way things are going, the people’s confidence must be restored in INEC. It is time for the electoral umpire to rebuild trust.
In the by-election held in some states last month, the ruling party won majority of positions contested amidst criticisms by the opposition which claimed the results did not reflect the wish of the electorate. Do you think so?
It is expected that the opposition parties will oppose election results that did not favour them. But in Anambra State the by election for the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha 1 state House of Assembly elections were free and fair and APGA won both. However, we expect an excellent performance from INEC in the forthcoming governorship election because it won’t only benefit Anambra people, but also the entire nation. Yes, the electoral commission cannot escape blame of irregularities which Nigerians have witness during past elections. The stake is now high and the commission cannot afford to fail because the disastrous consequences of failure particularly now would be enormous. We need to be concerned about how the world regards our democracy. Therefore, the commission’s integrity and Nigeria’s international reputation hinge significantly on the transparency of our electoral process. That is why Nigerians expect a credible election from the Anambra November 8 governorship election.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared his eligibility to run for 2027 Presidential race even though he has been sworn-in twice because leaders of PDP are wooing him and Peter Obi to join the party as the main opposition party has zoned its presidential ticket to the South. Do you see this as an alternative to APC in 2027, should they finally join PDP?
The resolution by the leaders of PDP to zone the presidency to the South is a welcome development for the sake equity and justice. If PDP decides to nominate either former President Goodluck Jonathan or the Presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi as its presidential flagbearer in 2027, both are eligible. But I’m not a lawyer to know if former President Goodluck is eligible to contest again or not having openly declare that he is eligible to run, he must have consulted his lawyers. Most importantly, as we head towards 2027, by now INEC is expected to have adopted extensive strategic precautions that should promptly get all its employees to adapt themselves to the new situation and innovative measures to stay ahead of potential electoral fraudsters in order to prevent the intrusion of inaccuracies into its critical assignment in the future general elections. The only way to restore the hope of Nigerians in the ballot box in 2027 is not only by the caliber of presidential candidates presented by political parties, but INEC workforce must be well-motivated and ethically grounded to resist the temptation of weak acquiescence to the lures of corruption.
