Abuja, Nigeria — October 27, 2025:
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s full readiness for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Speaking at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at INEC Headquarters, Abuja, Prof. Amupitan said the Commission had completed a comprehensive readiness assessment across the state and was confident of a smooth and credible poll.
According to him, INEC will deploy 24,000 personnel across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 wards, 21 local government areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka. He added that voting would not take place in two polling units where there are no registered voters.
To improve voter participation, the INEC Chairman announced an extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise in the state, from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, following reports that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their cards.
Prof. Amupitan reiterated the Commission’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections, assuring that both logistics and security arrangements were firmly in place.
“We have hired 200 buses and 83 boats to ensure seamless transportation of election officials and materials,” he stated.
He also issued a stern warning against vote buying, describing it as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“Security agents must not allow vote buyers to contaminate our electoral process,” he cautioned.
NSA, Security Agencies Reaffirm Commitment to Peaceful Polls
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director of Internal Security, Mr. Hassan Y. Abdullahi, assured that the Federal Government remains fully committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral environment in Anambra.
He disclosed that enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and security deployments had been put in place to deter any attempt by “destructive elements or desperate politicians” to undermine the election.
“We are engaging political leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasized that all security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, were on high alert and ready to maintain law and order before, during, and after the polls.
NYSC Guarantees Safety of Corps Members
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, assured that corps members who will serve as ad-hoc election officials are fully protected and well provided for.
He described them as “vibrant, patriotic, and non-partisan Nigerians” whose participation enhances the transparency of the electoral process.
“Adequate arrangements have been made for their welfare, insurance, and security coverage. I will personally be in Anambra before, during, and after the election to support them,” he said.
The NYSC DG appealed to residents of Anambra to treat corps members as their own children and provide them with necessary assistance throughout the election period.
Police Deploy 45,000 Personnel for Election Duty
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 45,000 police officers across Anambra State to ensure adequate security for the governorship election.
Represented by Commissioner of Police Abayomi Sogunle at the ICCES meeting, the IGP said pre-election deployments would commence on November 1, with tactical units conducting clearance operations to neutralize threats and arrest potential troublemakers.
He stressed that only security agencies officially represented in ICCES — including the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military — would be allowed to participate in election duties.
“No vigilante group will be permitted to play any role in the electoral process,” he declared.
Egbetokun added that movement restrictions would be enforced on Election Day, with all entry and exit routes in the state under strict surveillance.
“We are determined to deliver a peaceful and credible election that reflects the will of the people,” he assured.
With logistics finalized, personnel deployed, and security agencies on alert, all eyes are now on Anambra as INEC and stakeholders gear up to deliver what many hope will be a model election for Nigeria’s democracy.
