INEC declares Anambra ready for the November 8 governorship poll after a comprehensive review of logistics, facilities, and security across the state

INEC declares Anambra ready for the November 8, 2025, governorship election, reaffirming confidence in its preparedness after a comprehensive readiness assessment across the state.

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The declaration followed a weeklong evaluation led by National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Rhoda Gumus, who described the level of preparation as “impressively thorough and on schedule.”

According to a bulletin issued by Victoria Eta-Messi, the commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, the delegation visited Anambra between October 21 and 27, meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and her State Management Team.

The purpose of the visit, Gumus explained, was to verify that every logistical, operational, and security element needed for the election was functional and properly coordinated.

During the inspection, the team visited Dunukofia and Oyi Local Government Areas, observing the distribution of non-sensitive materials and monitoring Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection.

Gumus urged residents to exercise patience and assured that every eligible voter would have access to their card before election day.

National Commissioner Kenneth Ukeagu emphasised strict accountability in the movement of election materials, insisting that every ballot, form, and vehicle be properly tracked.

“This is not business as usual. Payment will be prompt, but accountability must be total,” he said, reaffirming that transparency was essential for public trust.

Baba Bila, Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, urged field officers to uphold the commission’s integrity, while Sam Olumekun, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, highlighted professionalism and timely communication as key to a credible process.

The delegation also met with leaders of major transport unions, including the NURTW, NARTO, and RTEAN, who are responsible for election-day logistics.

INEC reiterated its existing Memorandum of Understanding with the unions, stressing punctuality, safety, and compliance with agreed terms.

Security readiness formed a central part of the visit. The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) convened during the tour, bringing together representatives from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the Nigerian Army, who all confirmed robust operational plans to ensure peaceful polls.

Resident Electoral Commissioner Agwu commended the high level of cooperation among security agencies, describing it as “vital to maintaining the credibility and safety of the process.”

The delegation rounded off its mission by observing a Mock Accreditation Exercise in Anambra East, where the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed effectively.

Expressing satisfaction, Gumus declared that both INEC and the people of Anambra were “ready to deliver a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.”

“Our visit has shown that Anambra is ready, INEC is ready, and the people are ready. We look forward to an election that truly reflects the will of the electorate,” she said.

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With confidence high and final preparations nearing completion, Anambra now stands poised for one of the most closely watched elections of 2025.