ActionAid Nigeria has urged electoral authorities, security agencies, political parties, and voters to ensure transparency, neutrality, and peaceful participation in Enugu state's Local Government Area elections. The organization's Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, stated that they have deployed observers across the state to monitor the election and receive reports from LGAs and wards. This move aims to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and local governance.
The Enugu state Local Government Area elections, scheduled to take place on September 26, 2026, are the first statewide polls ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dr. Mamedu identified security concerns, particularly in rural communities and along intra-LGA routes, as areas requiring close attention. He also expressed concerns over low public awareness of the election across the state.
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has reported 90 percent operational readiness, including plans to move non-sensitive election materials ahead of election day to council headquarters. ActionAid Nigeria's observers will monitor key aspects of the process, including voter participation, the conduct of security personnel, deployment of election materials and personnel, and timely opening of polling units.
A total of 11 political parties have been screened to participate in the election, with contests scheduled across 17 LGAs and 260 councillorship positions. Dr. Mamedu urged political parties and candidates to encourage their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, and other forms of electoral misconduct and to respect the rights of voters, opponents, and election officials.
Dr. Mamedu called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to act impartially and enforce the law based on credible evidence rather than political affiliation. He also urged security agencies to provide adequate protection in remote and rural communities while ensuring that security deployment remains proportionate and intelligence-led.
ActionAid Nigeria cautioned against excessive militarization of the electoral environment, saying security personnel should focus on protecting voters, officials, and electoral materials and preventing violence and intimidation. The organization also called on ENSIEC to improve timely public communication, particularly concerning the movement of election materials and security-related contingencies.
Finally, ActionAid Nigeria encouraged Enugu residents to participate in the election and peacefully vote for candidates of their choice. The organization emphasized the importance of peaceful participation and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and transparent electoral process.
Key points
- ActionAid Nigeria has deployed observers to monitor the Enugu state Local Government Area elections.
- The organization urged security agencies to act impartially and provide adequate protection in remote and rural communities.
- ActionAid Nigeria called on ENSIEC to improve timely public communication concerning the movement of election materials and security-related contingencies.
