Fatimah Otunsanya
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency and credibility as Anambra State prepares for its governorship election next weekend.
In a statement released on his official X handle, Atiku said the November 8 poll—one of the nation’s off-cycle elections—offers a significant test for the electoral umpire and an opportunity to rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He described the election as a “unique opportunity to end the era of poor governance” in Anambra State while preventing what he alleged to be the ruling All Progressives Congress’ (APC) “notorious pattern of snatching and running away with the mandate of the people.”
Atiku urged voters in the state to rally behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates, Nwosu Chima John and Nwobu Geoffrey Ndubisi, whom he said possess the leadership qualities needed to usher in “a new era of prosperity and economic stability.”
The former Vice President called on INEC under Amupitan’s leadership to use the election to show the world that it has “turned a new page” and is ready to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
He emphasised that Nigerians and the international community will be watching closely to see whether the Commission conducts a free, fair, and credible election devoid of manipulation.
Atiku also encouraged registered voters in Anambra to participate actively and mobilise support for the ADC, expressing optimism that the state—renowned for its historic contributions to national development—can once again set a positive example.