Between 2022 and 2024, 14 politically motivated killings were documented in Anambra State, the Cleen Foundation disclosed in its latest 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment.
The organisation warned that the trend could jeopardize the integrity of the upcoming November 2025 gubernatorial election.
During the report launch in Abuja, Salaudeen Hashim, the Foundation’s Director of Programmes, expressed alarm at the rise in politically linked violence amid a broader climate of insecurity that includes kidnapping, small arms proliferation, and gang activity.
“The number is deeply disturbing and demands urgent attention from security agencies and stakeholders,” he said.
Hashim further revealed that, in addition to the 14 assassinations, over 213 deaths tied to political violence were recorded between 2022 and 2024, along with nine attacks on INEC facilities during the same period.
The report flagged several local government areas (LGAs) as high risk, including Ihiala, Ogbaru, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Onitsha North.
According to Hashim, these areas have recently recorded violent incidents, making them potential flashpoints ahead of the election.
To reinforce election security, the foundation plans to open an Electoral Security Support Centre on November 7, aiming to monitor developments and assist security agencies through the election cycle.
Hashim pointed to the deep politicisation of local structures and intensifying rivalries among major parties as key drivers of electoral violence in Anambra.
He also flagged the role of misinformation, disinformation campaigns, youth gangs, and non-state armed groups as destabilising forces.
“The mix of existing crime and fierce political competition sets up a high-risk environment,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reports that 2,802,790 voters are registered in Anambra for the November 2025 election.
With tensions already on the rise, the state may face serious challenges in ensuring a free, fair, and secure vote.
Anambra has seen politically linked killings before. For instance, In May 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, a state lawmaker, and his aide Cyril Chiegboka were abducted and murdered.
In December 2024, Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra House of Assembly from Onitsha North 1, was kidnapped on Christmas Eve. His body was found early in 2025.
As the election draws near, the report urges heightened vigilance and preemptive security planning to avert a repeat of past violence.
