ISSUES IN ANAMBRA 2025 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examines the 2025 Anambra State Gubernatorial elections with a view to identifying issues and its implications for 2027 general elections in Nigeria.the article largely relies on secondary data sources from published reports by Independent National Electoral Commission. (INEC), newspapers, electoral observers’ reports and electronic media reports.Independent reports from the above credible sources revealed that,the Anambra gubernatorial elections were marred by massive vote buying, poor voter turnout,underage voters and logistical concerns.The results of the elections based on political party performance also revealed that,there was no tough contest,with All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with Prof. Charles C. Soludo as the flag bearer overwhelmingly won the elections.From these revelations, Structural Functionalism Theory was used to analyze why the situation during the Anambra elections turned that way. Further analysis suggests that,the outcomes of the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial elections further weaken democratic consolidation and sustainability in Nigerian politics.Thus,the paper recommends that there is a need to strengthen democratic institutions to perform their duties in line with global best practices,government should work hard towards building the trust and confidence of voters in the electoral process through conducting free,fair,credible and transparent elections,establishing  laws against electoral malpractices such as vote buying,underage voting, and other related offenses and  strengthening the security forces such as the Police, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. (EFCC) to prevent and arrest culprits before and during elections to serve as a deterrent to potential elections violators.