The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured Nigerians of a transparent governorship election in Anambra State, with Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan declaring the electoral body’s full readiness for the Saturday, 8th November poll.
Amupitan made the commitment on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ forum at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, where he engaged political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and media representatives.
“Our objective is to engage political parties, candidates, accredited observers, the media, and other stakeholders on preparations for the election,” Amupitan said. “We are committed to delivering a credible, transparent, and peaceful exercise.”
The INEC boss revealed that only 63.9 per cent of newly registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards, which prompted the commission to extend the collection deadline from 29th October to 2nd November 2025.
“Based on the report of a high-level Commission delegation indicating that only 63.9 per cent of voters had collected their PVCs, INEC extended the PVC collection period from Wednesday, 29th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025,” he explained.
He added that all uncollected PVCs would be retrieved from the 21 local government areas and kept at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC had completed 11 of 13 scheduled activities, with campaigns set to end on 6th November, two days before the election.
The commission chairman also confirmed the publication of the final list of candidates, noting that parties retained the right to replace candidates who voluntarily withdrew.
“The African Democratic Congress conducted a fresh primary to replace its candidate, whilst four other parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates,” he said.
A total of 16 political parties will participate in the election, with the final voter register listing 2,802,790 voters, including 140,370 valid new voters after the removal of multiple entries and 5,983 approved transfers.
Amupitan emphasised INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, revealing that sign language interpreters would be deployed at polling units for the 3,456 registered voters with disabilities.
“We have accredited 114 observer groups and 76 media organisations with over 500 journalists to provide comprehensive coverage,” he said.
The INEC chairman warned electoral officers to strictly comply with the Electoral Act, adding, “Any deviations or misconduct will have grave consequences, whilst diligence will be rewarded.”
He assured stakeholders that voting would commence at 8:30am across all 5,718 polling units, with every machine tested and election-ready.
“Let’s all say ‘NO’ to vote-buying and all forms of election rigging,” Amupitan urged.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy IG Ben Okolo, assured citizens of adequate security during the election.
“This election is not business as usual. Our allegiance is to the people. We will be civil but not cowardly,” Okolo said, warning that attempts to disrupt the electoral process would be resisted.
Party leaders, including APC Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike, raised concerns about vote buying and the use of non-state actors.
“We want to see a situation where vote buying is not heard again,” Ejidike said, urging INEC to ensure security forces curb the practice.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by officials from major political parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, and Accord Party.
