As Anambra prepares for its governorship election on Saturday, the state finds itself once again in a precarious balance between fear and faith in democracy.

In a state once celebrated for its commercial vibrancy and political awareness, fear has become a silent but decisive force shaping not just political conversations, but the very act of participation itself.

The upcoming election is, therefore, not merely a contest among candidates, but a test of courage for citizens and of credibility for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters of its readiness, political parties are concluding their campaigns, and security agencies have rolled out deployment plans. Yet, beneath the surface of these official assurances lies a gnawing anxiety, one that has come to define elections in Nigeria’s South-east.

Anambra State, once peaceful, gradually began to flood with stories of “unknown gunmen,” and even if election day passes peacefully, the lingering perception of danger could suppress turnout before the first ballot is cast.

For many residents, especially those in rural areas, Election Day has increasingly become a test of courage rather than a civic duty. Whether voters will come out in large numbers or stay behind closed doors may depend less on political enthusiasm and more on their confidence in navigating the process successfully.

The poll is unfolding under the weight of lingering insecurity, years of separatist agitation, and deep-seated public mistrust in both government and law enforcement. Although the state has made modest progress since the violence that scarred the 2021 election, the atmosphere remains tense.

Security realities in Anambra

IPOB sit-at-home culture and separatist agitations

The ghost of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continues to haunt Anambra’s electoral landscape. Though the group has been outlawed and its leaders have disowned the Monday lockdowns, splinter elements still enforce sit-at-home orders in parts of the South-east.

The result is a persistent anxiety about safety, particularly during national events such as elections. For many residents, the fear is not merely about violence but about the unpredictability that surrounds these lockdowns.

A voter who must travel to another ward to cast a ballot may decide the risk is not worth it. In a region where IPOB propaganda often frames Nigerian elections as a “state affair,” this cultural residue can quietly suppress turnout.

Attacks on INEC facilities and security agencies

The memories of past violence against electoral and security institutions remain sharp. In recent years, several INEC offices and police stations across Anambra have been attacked or burnt by gunmen.

Even though the security climate has improved since 2021, these scars run deep. Many residents still doubt the ability of law enforcement to protect them or ensure a peaceful process.

The spectre of ballot snatching, intimidation, and attacks on collation centres continues to feed voter apathy, especially in rural and riverine communities where state presence is weak.

Cult-related and local political violence

Beyond separatist tensions, Anam