The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has trained its observers ahead of their deployment across all the local government areas of Anambra State for the November 8 governorship election.
SIDEC is one of the 114 domestic observer groups accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the off–cycle poll.
Addressing the observers during the training, SIDEC Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, reminded them to maintain strict neutrality and comply fully with all regulations guiding election observation.
“As our observers, you must be mindful of your conduct. We do not want to hear that you are involved in anything outside the task of observing this election,” Ehiahuruike warned.
“Also, please bear in mind that you are observers and not monitors. Your job is to observe the process and not to interfere with the work of INEC officials.”
She said SIDEC expects detailed reports on the turnout of women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as well as the conduct of INEC ad-hoc staff and security personnel — especially in their treatment of vulnerable groups.
SIDEC ED also urged them to document and report any cases of vote trading, violence or any other forms of electoral malpractice.
Combatting fake news
In a presentation on combating fake news and misinformation, the Regional Officer and ECOWAS Liaison Lead at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), Dr. Austin Aigbe, urged the observers to actively watch out for misleading information.
“Once you see anything you cannot independently verify, copy and send it to SIDEC. We will promptly fact-check and release the truth to the public,” he stated, noting that fake news is often weaponized to confuse voters.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, asked observers to pay close attention to how PWDs are treated at polling units.
“There is something we call priority voting. This means that vulnerable persons such as PWDs, the elderly and visibly pregnant women should be allowed to cast their votes first,” he said.
“More importantly, we want you to observe whether assistive materials — such as magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, braille ballot papers for the visually impaired, and sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired — are available.”
Participants at the training pledged to carry out their duties with patriotism and a sense of responsibility to the growth and development of Anambra State and Nigeria.
SIDEC had on September 19, 2025 trained 30 Community Truth Ambassadors to combat the rising tide of disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and hate speech that threaten Nigeria’s democracy, especially the Nigerian election.
