The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared total readiness for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election, promising a transparent, secure, and credible process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, made the announcement at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Amupitan said a statewide readiness assessment had been concluded, expressing confidence that the election would run smoothly. “We are fully prepared. Every logistical, security, and administrative arrangement is in place,” he assured.
He disclosed that 24,000 personnel will be deployed across 5,718 polling units, while results will be collated at 326 wards, 21 local government areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka. However, he noted that voting would not occur in two polling units without registered voters.
To boost participation, INEC extended the PVC collection deadline from October 29 to November 2, after reports showed only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their cards.
The INEC boss also detailed extensive logistics plans, including 200 buses and 83 boats for the movement of election officials and materials. He warned politicians against vote buying, describing it as “a cancer that destroys democracy.”
“Security agencies must ensure vote buyers do not contaminate our electoral process,” Amupitan stated firmly.
Federal Government, Security Chiefs Vow Tough Measures
Representing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Hassan Y. Abdullahi reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to maintain peace and order throughout the election.
He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed full-scale deployment of security personnel and intelligence resources to prevent disruptions by “destructive elements or desperate politicians.”
“Violence will not be tolerated. Political leaders must guide their supporters toward peace,” Abdullahi warned.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of 45,000 police officers across Anambra, with tactical units beginning pre-election clearance operations from November 1.
Represented by CP Abayomi Sogunle, the IGP emphasized that only recognized security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the Military, would participate. “No vigilante group will be allowed near polling areas,” he said, announcing strict movement restrictions on Election Day.
NYSC Pledges Safety for Corps Members
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), assured that corps members serving as INEC ad-hoc staff will be fully protected.
“They are patriotic and non-partisan. Their safety, allowances, and insurance have been fully arranged,” Nafiu stated, pledging to personally supervise their welfare during the polls.
He urged Anambra residents to “treat corps members as their own children” and support them during the election period.
As November 8 Nears...
With INEC’s assurances, heavy security presence, and federal backing, all eyes are now on Anambra as it heads to the polls in what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched state elections.
