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Anambra Decides: CDD Advocates Neutrality, Seamless Process; Says Litmus Test For Amupitan

Published

7 months ago

November 7, 2025

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has described the November 8 Anambra governorship election as a litmus test for the new INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience and institutional credibility.

CDD Africa made this remarks in Akwa on Friday at its pre-election briefing and opening of its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC).

CDD-West Africa, while calling on INEC “to maintain neutrality and ensure seamless electoral processes, in the November 8 election,” noted that while INEC has taken commendable steps to improve logistics and planning, “confidence remains fragile.”

It urged the electoral umpire to deploy voting materials timely, and ensure BVAS/IReV function smoothly .

It also urged security agencies to protect citizens “without intimidation or selective enforcement,” and appealed to political parties to “shun vote buying and commit to peaceful conduct.”

CDD West Africa further called on civil society and the media to amplify factual information and promote inclusive participation, while encouraging citizens to come out and exercise their democratic right to vote.

“With the CDD Election Analysis Centre (EAC) now fully operational, our disinformation experts will be working throughout the period to monitor, fact-check, and respond to emerging narratives,” the organisation said.

“The 2025 Anambra Governorship election is more than a sub-national election,” CDD-West Africa declared.

“We call on all actors to prioritise national interest, protect democratic integrity, and ensure a peaceful, credible and inclusive election,” it said.

Pre-election Observation

The CDD West Africa raised concerns over low electoral competitiveness, predictable voter apathy, and the fragility of key institutions ahead of the governorship election.

The CSO criticised political parties for their inability to mobilise and sensitise voters, saying that internal crises within major parties have weakened electoral competitiveness in the state.

On Security, CDD West Africa warned that weak oversight of vigilante groups and a history of violence particularly in Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and border communities such as Lilu, Azia, and Amorka, could lead to low voter turnout, urging security agencies to “act professionally and protect voters without bias.”

On incumbency and federal influence, the organisation observed that the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the incumbent governor benefit from visibility advantages, new political alignments, and control over state influence channels.

It referenced the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency’s (ANSAA) June 11, 2025 announcement imposing a N50 million permit fee for political parties’ billboard and outdoor campaigns, saying the policy “limits access for different political parties and increases campaign costs,” despite the N1 billion campaign spending cap under Section 88(2) of the 2022 Electoral Act.

On misinformation, CDD-West Africa raised the alarm over the state’s information environment, identifying widespread misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech as major threats to the election’s integrity.

The organisation’s assessment found “unequal access to information, gender-specific vulnerabilities, inadequate stakeholder preparedness, and persistent electoral risks.”

The CDD identified seven dominant patterns of information manipulation viz: targeting of security institutions with partisan bias claims, exploitation of religious divides, manipulation of political endorsement narratives, weaponisation of insecurity and “unknown gunmen” narratives, distortion of Igbo campaign statements, narratives questioning INEC’s competence, and gendered hate speech aimed at discouraging women’s participation.

According to the CDD, “This is another opportunity for the two million, eight hundred and two thousand, seven hundred and ninety (2,802,790) registered voters in the state to make their voices heard in electing the next state governor.”

It noted that despite INEC’s report of a 98.8 percent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate, the group expressed concern that this might not translate into high voter turnout.

The group, while lamenting continued exclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the political space, noted that “only two women are contesting, both from minor parties,” while there are “no PWD candidates” and polling accessibility remains poor.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

17 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

18 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.