IPOB, Misinformation May Block Off Peaceful Election In Anambra – CDD
A nonprofit monitoring the democratic processes in Nigeria has said that the weekly sit-at-home order enforced by the separatists in the country’s Southeast will likely lead to low voters’ turnout and cause violence in Anambra State’s forthcoming governorship election.
Center for Democracy and Development (CDD), Africa’s leading pro-democracy and research think-tank, has said that activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group operating in Southeast Nigeria, may affect the outcome of the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
IPOB has been accused of attacking security positions and targeting government officials in the Southeast, where it has been enforcing a weekly sit-at-home order. Some people have willingly followed the sit-at-home order, while others have done so for their own safety.
CDD said in a statement signed by Idayat Hassan, its director, that the IPOB’s order could be a stumbling block to a peaceful election in the state, and could lead to low voter turnout.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed group remains in detention, facing terrorism and treasonous felony charges while his followers are believed to be behind a series of attacks in the Southeast.
“There is anxiety that the group may declare a harshly enforced month-long sit-at-home order that may extend into the election,” CDD said ahead of the Anambra election.
As election preparations are completed, the nonprofit added that the IPOB’s approach will have security implications in the state.
CDD also mentioned the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the run-up to the election, which will almost certainly result in violence and increased tensions, as seen in previous elections.
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