Anambra 2025: Research groups call for active voter participation

Independent research organisations under the auspices of Anambra Opinion Polls (AOP) have called on electorates to actively participate in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election through their votes to shape the future of the state.

Director General of the Nigeria Democratic Research Institute (NDRI), Tabuko Kennedy, made this appeal in Abuja on behalf of the research bodies while presenting an opinion poll result they conducted ahead of the election.

Kennedy noted that the findings of the poll reflect the true aspirations of Ndi Anambra, as gathered from a diverse cross-section of the population, including youths, professionals, traders, artisans, and traditional institutions.

He urged all political stakeholders to recognise the credibility and neutrality of the poll as a reflection of the people’s will and called on candidates to engage in issue-based campaigns.

Kennedy added that the body remains committed to fostering transparency, democracy, and voter education and will continue to monitor political trends leading up to the elections.

The poll, according to him, was carried out by 12 independent research organisations using scientific polling methodologies, including structured questionnaires, face-to-face and telephone interviews, and online sampling, ensuring representation from all 21 local government areas of the state.

The findings, as released by the research bodies, predicted an imminent defeat for the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

According to the findings, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, who scored 54.6%, received majority support across different demographics due to his perceived competence, grassroots appeal, and commitment to infrastructural development and social welfare.

READ ALSO:Anambra 2025: I’m open to coalition that can stop Soludo — Nwosu

On the other hand, incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo scored 22.3%, retaining significant support but facing challenges due to governance concerns, policy controversies, and shifting voter sentiments.

According to the report, 15.8% favoured Sen. Tony Nwoye, who is a formidable contender with notable youth and grassroots support but struggling to consolidate broad-based appeal, while Sir Paul Chukwuma got 4.5%. Having served as a former Auditor in the main opposition party in the state, he has gained traction among certain political circles but has yet to establish widespread acceptability.

The report further revealed that Dr Obiora Okonkwo, who is recognised for his intellectual contributions and economic perspectives but lacks broad political structure and mass mobilisation, got 2.1%, while Barth Nwibe, who is a respected technocrat yet whose political outreach remains limited, managed 0.7%.