INEC reaffirms readiness, pledges credible, inclusive Anambra governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared full readiness for the Anambra State Governorship Election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025, pledging to deliver a peaceful, credible, and transparent process.

Joash Amupitan, chairman, INEC, gave the assurance during a high-level inspection visit to the Commission’s state office in Awka, ahead of the Stakeholders’ Meeting scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, according to a statement by the Commission.

“Our responsibility is to the people of this nation. We are fully prepared to deliver an election that is fair, credible, and reflective of the people’s will,” Amupitan said, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring a seamless process.

He cautioned against “attempts by vested interests to discredit the process,” adding that the Commission remained focused and undeterred in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

Providing update on operational preparedness, Elizabeth Agwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, confirmed that all non-sensitive materials had been distributed across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

She also disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had been fully configured, tested, and certified ready for deployment.

“We have left nothing to chance. From the training of personnel to the deployment of materials, every necessary step has been taken to ensure a smooth, credible, and technology-driven election,” Agwu stated.

“Generators have also been deployed to ensure uninterrupted power supply at critical locations,” she added.

Both Amupitan and Agwu emphasised the importance of collaboration with political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and the media in guaranteeing a successful election.

“We are committed to carrying every stakeholder along in this process. Transparency and partnership remain the bedrock of our credibility,” the INEC chairman affirmed.

As part of the readiness review, the chairman, accompanied by National Commissioners — May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Abdullahi Zuru, Sam Olumekun, Sami Adam, Baba Bila, and Sunday Aja — inspected INEC offices in Oyi and Awka South Local Government Areas to assess final preparations.

Electoral Officers, Olivia Nkem (Oyi) and Orange Chinyere (Awka South), conducted the team around their facilities, showcasing election materials already batched for dispatch to Registration Areas.

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During the visit, Amupitan issued a firm directive that, all election materials must arrive at polling units by 7:00 a.m, polling must commence by 8:30 a.m. without delay, collation must take place in the presence of party agents and collated results must align strictly with BVAS records.

He further reassured voters that robust security arrangements had been instituted to safeguard personnel, materials, and voters throughout the process.

With these assurances, INEC has reaffirmed its operational capacity, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Anambra State.