Campaign of Calumny, Hate Speech Clouding Anambra Governorship Election: Civil Society Raises Alarm

As the countdown to the November 2025 Anambra Governorship Election gathers pace, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), a foremost body of civil society organisations in the State, has raised alarm over the growing trend of hate speech, campaign of calumny, and political violence.

The Network through Prince Chris Azor, Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Organizations Network (ACSONet) warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the state risks sliding into a dangerous cycle of conflict, distrust, and instability.

ACSONet expressed worry that beyond inflammatory rhetoric, incidents of violence are already surfacing. In Nri community, Anaocha LGA, supporters of rival parties recently clashed over campaign billboards, pulling down one another’s posters until security operatives intervened.

At a burial ceremony in another community, suspected gunmen attacked mourners, leaving several feared dead, creating a climate of fear that could spill into the political space.

Most recently, the State witnessed an avoidable clash between aides of a governorship candidate and a senior government official, leading to condemnable violence and tension.

“These are warning signs that must not be ignored. Elections should never be a do-or-die affair,” ACSONet stressed.

The Network called on politicians, political Parties, and candidates to steer clear of smear tactics and focus on issue based and people-centered campaigns that address development, governance, security and welfare.

ACSONet further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, and opinion moulders to rise to the occasion by counselling political actors on the dangers of hate speech and violence.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was charged to strengthen its monitoring of campaigns, enforce regulations, and sanction offenders without fear or favour.

Security agencies, the Media, and professional associations were also urged to work with civil society to curb information disorder, fact-check campaign narratives, and protect the integrity of the electoral mandate.

ACSONet further called on the Anambra State Government to rise above partisan divides and act as a father figure in this critical period.

“The government must promote tolerance, ensure a level playing ground, and support peacebuilding efforts that guarantee security of lives and property. Leadership by example is critical at this time,” the statement read.

The Network drew parallels with other African countries where unchecked hate speech and political intolerance snowballed into violent conflict and instability.

“Anambra and Nigeria cannot afford to go down that path. The lessons are clear, and we must act before it is too late,” ACSONet warned.

ACSONet proposed practical steps to safeguard peace and credibility:

Stakeholder Dialogue: Organize peace summits where politicians, security, elders, women, PWDs, Media, and youth commit to peace accords.

Voter Education: Intensify civic education to discourage violence, misinformation, and voter apathy.

Early Warning & Mediation: Activate community-based mechanisms to detect and address flashpoints.

Responsible Media: Encourage fact-based journalism and youth engagement as peace ambassadors.

Reaffirming its role as a watchdog and partner in peacebuilding, ACSONet pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to ensure that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election becomes a model of free, fair, credible, and peaceful polls.