As political activities intensify ahead of the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has issued a strong warning to politicians in the state to desist from hate speech and the spread of fake news.
SIDEC, a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance, noted that reckless political rhetoric and deliberate misinformation have the potential to trigger violence, undermine democratic values, and threaten social harmony.
In a statement released on Thursday, the organisation urged political actors, especially candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), to conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid inflammatory remarks capable of escalating tensions in the state.
“Political actors in Anambra must place the interest of the state above partisan considerations. Hate speech and disinformation before, during, and after the elections could destabilise the polity, erode public trust, and weaken democratic institutions,” the statement read in part.
SIDEC emphasised that responsible communication and fact-based campaigns are essential to building public confidence in the electoral process. It further appealed to political parties, their supporters, and the media to prioritise issue-based engagements that promote peace, unity, and credible elections.
The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders to remain vigilant in curbing electoral misconduct and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
With weeks to the highly anticipated poll, SIDEC reminded Anambra’s political stakeholders that democracy thrives not in an atmosphere of division and hostility, but through respect for diversity, tolerance, and constructive debate.
