Anambra Guber 2025: What You Need to Know About PVC Distribution and Mock Accreditation by INEC

INEC Sets October 22–26 for PVC Collection in Anambra, Schedules Mock Accreditation for October 25 Ahead of 2025 Governorship Election

The upcoming governorship election in Anambra State is generating much interest and activity, and at the heart of the preparations is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Recent announcements reveal key logistics from the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to a mock accreditation exercise designed to ensure that voters are ready, and that INEC’s systems are robust ahead of the big day. In this post, we’ll walk you through all the details: what’s happening, when, how you as a voter should engage, and why these measures matter. Let’s dive in.

Before we get into the logistics, it’s worth understanding why these processes are critical. The Anambra governorship election is not simply another poll. It’s an opportunity for citizens to have their say in the leadership of the state. Ensuring the electoral machinery is ready is essential for legitimacy, public confidence and inclusive participation. Voter registration, card issuance, accreditation, voting equipment tests — all these steps are about giving every eligible person a fair opportunity to cast their ballot and ensuring the system can handle it transparently and effectively. With that in mind, let’s look at the two major components of this announcement: the PVC distribution and the mock accreditation.

INEC has announced that for persons who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra State, PVCs will be distributed between October 22 and October 26, 2025.
The statement was made official by Mrs. Victoria Eta‑Messi, the Director of Voter Education & Publicity for INEC, via a formal release in Abuja.

If you participated in the CVR exercise in Anambra State and registered as a voter, this is your call-to-action: you must go and collect your PVC during the specified period in order to be eligible to vote in the forthcoming governorship election.
The key points you must know:

• You must visit the Registration Area where you originally registered to collect your card.
• No proxy collection will be allowed. That means someone else cannot pick the PVC on your behalf under any circumstance. INEC emphasised this explicitly.
• If you fail to collect your PVC within this window, you may risk ineligibility to vote in the election in the state.

Issuing the PVC is more than handing over a plastic card. It is a signal that you are part of the official voting register and that you now possess the physical means to identify yourself on polling day. Without your PVC, even if you’re registered, you may face difficulties or outright inability to cast your vote.
From INEC’s point of view, distributing PVCs ahead of the election helps ensure:
Eligible voters are ready and their records are up to date.
Logistical issues (missing cards, uncollected cards) are addressed ahead of time rather than at the eleventh hour. The election process can proceed without avoidable administrative bottlenecks.

If you are registered and eligible, here’s what you should do:
1. Identify the registration area where you originally enrolled.

2. Check that you indeed registered within the CVR window and are eligible for card collection.

3. Go in person between 22–26 October to collect your PVC.

4. Bring any required identification, evidence of registration or other documentation as directed by INEC (check with local INEC office for details).

5. Once you collect your PVC, keep it safely, as it’s your key to casting your vote.

In addition to the PVC distribution, INEC disclosed that it will conduct a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday, October 25, 2025 across selected polling units in the three senatorial districts of Anambra State.
According to INEC’s statement, the mock accreditation is designed to:

• Test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, focusing on response time and accuracy of voter identification
• Verify the uploading of results via the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) ahead of the main election.
• Test operational logistics and technical readiness — from polling unit set-up through to accreditation workflows.

INEC listed specific polling units across the state where the mock accreditation will take place. These are spread across the three senatorial zones (Anambra Central, Anambra North, Anambra South). Some include:

• Amawbia II (03), Igwédimma Primary School I & II (006) & (007), Ububa Village Square (035) in Awka South LGA (Anambra Central)
• Nteje III (07), Girls Secondary School Nteje (005), Nteje IV (08), State Primary School Nteje (002) in Oyi LGA (Anambra North)
• Aguleri II (02) Central School (001), Umunoke Public Square I (002) in Anambra East LGA (Anambra North)
• Ekwulobia I (06) Central School (003), Ekwulobia II (07), Urban Girls Secondary School Ekwulobia (009) in Aguata LGA (Anambra South)
• Ajalli I (01) Primary School I (007) and RCM KDT School (011) in Orumba North LGA (Anambra South)

Accreditation on polling day is the process by which the voter's identity is verified, often using both thumb‐print biometric data and PVC data, and then validated for voting. By conducting a mock drill, INEC is making sure that:

• The BVAS machines will work as intended under real-life conditions (for instance, with many voters, cells network fluctuations, etc.).
• The results upload system via IReV can operate smoothly, which is critical for transparency and trust.
• Polling units and officials are trained, materials are available, and last-minute glitches are minimised.
• For voters and the public, this exercise boosts confidence. When you go to vote, you want assurance that the technology is sound, your vote will be credited, and the process will be fair.

If you’re a voter in one of the selected polling units, you are being invited (in effect) to participate in this mock accreditation. Your involvement helps test the system and also familiarises you with how things will work on the main election day. It’s a win-win: you get to see the process, and INEC gets practical feedback.
Here’s what you might do:

• Check if your polling unit is one of the listed ones.
• If yes, consider turning up for the mock accreditation on 25 October.
• Follow instructions given by polling officials, as you would on polling day.
• Observe how BVAS works, how accreditation is done, ask questions if you’re unsure.
• Use the experience to be more confident and prepared for the actual election.

Putting together the PVC distribution and mock accreditation exercises, here are the major points for voters in Anambra State:

1. Be proactive: Mark your calendar for 22–26 October to collect your PVC.
2. Go in person: You must collect your PVC yourself — no proxies allowed.
3. Use the right location: Collect at your original registration area.
4. Participate in the mock accreditation: Especially if your polling unit is one of those selected — it helps you and strengthens the process.
5. Keep your PVC safe: Once collected, store it securely ahead of the election.
6. Understand the technology: The upgraded BVAS machines and result upload processes mean that being familiar with the credentials and your role gives you confidence.
7. Look out for further announcements: INEC continues to emphasise transparency and readiness for the election, and additional instructions may follow.

Beyond the practical steps, these announcements reflect deeper dimensions of electoral administration in Nigeria and specifically in Anambra State.

Transparency and Confidence
By publicly announcing both the PVC collection timeline and the mock accreditation, INEC is signalling openness about its process. That matters because voter confidence is bolstered when processes are visible, clear and involve public participation. Political parties in Anambra have already weighed in, urging INEC and its incoming leadership (such as Joash Amupitan) to ensure fairness, credibility and robust systems.

Technological Upgrades & Efficiency
The mention of an “upgraded BVAS” and testing the upload mechanisms points to the use of technology as an enabler of more efficient and transparent elections. The more smoothly accreditation and result uploads work, the less likely issues such as delays, manipulation or errors will occur.

Inclusiveness and Voter Empowerment
When eligible citizens collect their PVC and participate in accreditation drills, the system becomes more inclusive. It reduces the risk that segments of voters will be excluded due to administrative hiccups. The process is a reminder that your active participation matters — not just showing up to vote, but engaging in the preparation.

Administrative Preparedness
From INEC’s vantage point, these drills are about mitigating risk. Elections are complex operations: large numbers of voters, many polling units, personnel, technology and logistics all working simultaneously. A mock accreditation is an operational rehearsal. It helps identify bottlenecks, equipment faults, training gaps, or connectivity issues — and hopefully fixes them in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I registered during the recent CVR, but I don’t know where my registration area is. What should I do?
A: Check with your local INEC office in Anambra State. Typically, the registration area is the one where you enrolled originally. If unsure, contact INEC’s voter education desk or visit the State INEC portal for details.

Q: Can someone else pick up my PVC on my behalf?
A: No — INEC is clear that collection by proxy is not allowed under any circumstance. You must pick it up in person.

Q: What if I miss the 22–26 October window?
A: While this is the specified window, missing it may risk you being unable to vote in the upcoming election. It’s best to act within the time. If you miss it, get in touch with your local INEC office to ask about possible next steps.

Q: I live in Anambra but registered in a different local government. Can I collect at a different area?
A: The instruction is to collect at the registration area where you originally registered. If you changed registration area, you may need to check with INEC about your eligibility and where you should collect.

Q: What happens at the mock accreditation exercise? Do I need to bring anything?
A: If your polling unit is among those selected, you’ll be asked to come on Saturday, 25 October. You’ll likely present your PVC, undergo accreditation via the BVAS machine (e.g., fingerprint + card scan). It’s a rehearsal. Bring your PVC and any ID if requested. Use the opportunity to ask questions.

Q: Will these exercises guarantee that the election will be free and fair?
A: No single step guarantees full fairness, but these measures strongly contribute. Transparent processes, technology readiness, voter engagement and oversight all help make the electoral process more credible. The involvement of stakeholders (voters, parties, civil society) is still important.

Anambra State has a vigorous political landscape. The upcoming 2025 governorship election is closely watched. With voters, parties, civil society and the electoral body all participating in preparation, this is a moment of civic importance. As noted, political parties have already raised concerns and expectations. For example, in a recent statement, parties urged the incoming INEC chair and the commission in Anambra to ensure ad-hoc staff are thoroughly vetted, BVAS machines are fully functional and communication is transparent. In this light, the PVC distribution and the mock accreditation are not just administrative steps they are also confidence building measures in a competitive environment.

Your Role: How to Be a Smart Voter in This Process
1. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on official INEC statements, local news outlets and community forums in Anambra. Changes or additional instructions may be issued.

2. Collect Your PVC Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Collecting your PVC between 22–26 October gives you time to raise any issues if your card is missing or there’s a discrepancy.

3. Safeguard Your PVC
Once you have it, treat it as a valuable civic document. Keep it safe, know your polling unit, know your registration details.

4. Participate in the Mock Accreditation (If Applicable)
If you’re in one of the named polling units, turn up on 25 October. Use it as a dry run: experience the accreditation process, note any problems, ask questions.

5. Spread the Word
Encourage family, friends and community members to collect their cards, attend the mock accreditation, and know their polling units. A more prepared electorate strengthens the process.

6. Prepare for Polling Day
Owning a PVC and knowing your polling unit are only part of it. On polling day, go early, carry your PVC, any required ID, know how to vote, and be ready to ask for help if the BVAS machine or accreditation process does not seem to be working smoothly.
Here are 
a few areas to monitor as we move toward the governorship election:
Logistics & Equipment: Will BVAS machines function properly across all polling units? The mock accreditation gives an early signal.

Ad-hoc Staff Training: Are polling officials and support staff well trained and impartial? Political parties in Anambra are closely watching this.

Transparency & Communication: Are results uploaded on time? Is the IReV portal working as planned? Are voters kept informed?

Coverage of PVC Collection: How many registered voters collect their PVCs on time? Are there many uncollected cards?

Participation & Inclusivity: Is the process accessible to all eligible voters, including women, persons with disabilities, rural residents?

Stakeholder Confidence: Are voters, political parties, civil society and media expressing trust in the process or raising concerns?
See Also... Senate Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman
The days between now and the election in Anambra represent both an opportunity and a responsibility. You, as a voter, have a direct role to play. By collecting your PVC, engaging in the accreditation drill, and preparing for polling day, you are strengthening the democratic process.
The efforts by INEC — issuing PVCs in a timely manner, performing a mock accreditation with modern accreditation machines, publicly disclosing key dates and processes — are signs of the system working toward readiness, transparency and inclusion. But the system only works if you participate. If you act. If you turn up. If you claim your voice.
So mark the dates: October 22–26 for PVC collection. October 25 for the mock accreditation exercise. Visit your registration area. Collect your card. Know your polling unit. Be an informed, prepared voter. In doing so, you contribute not only to your own civic right, but to the integrity and credibility of the Anambra governorship election.


By PrimeLineInfo