SCM Correspondent, SE, Friday, Nov.07, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the people of Anambra State to come out en masse to vote and freely choose their next leader in tomorrow’s gubernatorial election.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ejiofor urged all eligible voters to participate actively and fearlessly in the democratic process, stressing that no one should succumb to intimidation or financial inducement.
“I urge every eligible voter to come out en masse and exercise their franchise freely, fearlessly, and conscientiously. Let no one yield to intimidation or inducement of any kind. A vote is not a commodity; it is a sacred trust. To sell your vote is to auction your conscience and in doing so, to mortgage the future of your children for a fleeting moment of gratification,” he stated.
Ejiofor described the exercise as both a duty and a privilege that will define the future of the state.
He reminded the electorate that their votes remain their strongest voices in shaping the kind of leadership they desire.
“Tomorrow offers a rare opportunity for our people to speak decisively about the quality of governance and leadership we seek. Campaigns are over, the rhetoric has ended , now it is time for the people to speak through the ballot and determine their future,” he added.
Ejiofor expressed optimism that, based on credible indications and assurances received, the election would be peaceful, transparent, and credible.
He disclosed that security agencies had pledged to ensure the safety of voters and urged residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers deployed for election duties.
“Let us all resist every temptation to engage in acts that could undermine the peace or integrity of the electoral process,” he cautioned.
Ejiofor also extended his goodwill to all the candidates participating in the election.
“I wish every candidate a successful outing. May the will of the people prevail, and may victory be earned through persuasion, not through the manipulation of figures,” he said.
Turning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ejiofor described the election as a litmus test for the leadership of its new Chairman, Prof. Amupitan.
“The eyes of Nigerians, and indeed the world, are firmly fixed on INEC at this critical juncture. The Commission must uphold its constitutional responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and courage,” he added.
He cautioned INEC against any form of malpractice or internal compromise, noting that the credibility of elections often suffers more from insider manipulation than from external interference.
“INEC must demonstrate that under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, votes will truly count and democracy will not be subverted by bureaucratic conspiracies,” Ejiofor declared.
He further urged the electoral body to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the process to ensure the election is free, fair, transparent, and devoid of rigging.
“Anything less will amount to a betrayal of public confidence and a stain on the institution’s credibility,” he warned.
Ejiofor described the moment as a defining one for Anambra State.
“Tomorrow’s election is more than a contest among candidates; it is a referendum on our collective future. Let us conduct ourselves with dignity and allow the voice of the electorate — not the noise of manipulation — to determine the outcome.May peace, fairness, and the will of the people prevail,” he said.
