By David Onwuchekwa
As the race for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election gathers momentum, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged.
Candidates from various political parties have begun traversing communities, unveiling their ambitions, and wooing the electorate. While this is a vital part of democratic engagement, it is equally important, indeed urgent, that all contenders maintain decorum, civility, and maturity throughout the electioneering process.
Anambra, a state known for its intellectual depth, entrepreneurial excellence, and political consciousness, deserves a campaign season focused squarely on the issues. The electorate is not interested in personal vendettas, name-calling, bitterness, or petty political bickering.
What the people demand and deserve are clear blueprints for governance, tangible, actionable, and realistic plans that can uplift the state and improve the quality of life for every Anambra citizen and residents.
Already, there are worrisome signs that some candidates are beginning to veer off track. Instead of articulating development-oriented programmes or engaging in public debates about education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, job creation, and good governance, a few candidates are resorting to character attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.
This diversion into personality politics not only undermines the sanctity of the democratic process but also distracts the electorate from the real issues that should determine the outcome of the election.
When candidates trade insults and engage in unwholesome political drama, they create an atmosphere of tension and division that may trigger unrest among supporters. Anambra State cannot afford such destabilization, especially at a time when collective efforts are needed to consolidate peace, promote unity, and foster economic recovery.
The political class must therefore exercise restraint and rise above the temptation to score cheap political points through provocative statements or unfounded allegations.
Democracy thrives best when political campaigns are rooted in ideas, policies, and well-researched manifestos. The people of Anambra are eager to hear how each candidate plans to tackle the pressing challenges facing the state: how they intend to improve road infrastructure, enhance public education, attract investment, manage the environment, and ensure inclusivity in governance. These are the discussions that should dominate campaign grounds, not unnecessary squabbles or smear campaigns.
Moreover, Anambra State has a reputation for producing some of the finest leaders and thinkers in Nigeria. This legacy must be reflected in the tone and content of the ongoing political campaigns.
Candidates should embody the values of leadership, wisdom, and vision. They should demonstrate the ability to unite rather than divide, to inspire rather than incite, and to educate rather than exaggerate.
As November 8 approaches, it is important that electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups, traditional rulers, and the media, play their part in promoting issue-based engagements.
Public debates should be encouraged, media spaces should prioritize analytical discourse over sensationalism, and citizens must be encouraged to demand substance, not drama, from those who seek to lead them.
Finally, the Anambra electorate must remain vigilant and discerning. They must look beyond the noise and demand clarity of vision and strength of character from every candidate. The path to a better Anambra lies not in empty rhetoric but in pragmatic leadership. Let the campaigns reflect this truth.
