INEC Declares 99% Readiness for 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

 
With less than two weeks left to the highly anticipated Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it is 99 percent ready to conduct a credible, transparent, and peaceful poll across the state.
The Commission made this known through a detailed update following a comprehensive readiness assessment tour carried out by a high-level delegation from its headquarters in Abuja. The inspection team, led by Prof. Rhoda Gumus, the National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, concluded a week-long visit to Anambra State, where it assessed logistics, met with stakeholders, and evaluated the level of preparedness at various field offices.

According to the Commission’s bulletin released on Monday, the delegation, which included National Commissioners Mr. Sam Olumekun, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, and Dr. Baba Bila, arrived in Awka, the state capital, on October 21, 2025, and immediately commenced a series of engagements.
The visit began with a briefing session with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and the state’s management team. Discussions focused on logistics, training of ad hoc staff, security coordination, and the distribution of election materials.
Speaking during the inspection, Prof. Gumus explained that the visit was part of INEC’s commitment to ensure that every logistical, technical, and security aspect of the electoral process is fully operational before election day.

“This process is designed to be smooth and inclusive. No voter will be left behind,” she assured.

The delegation visited several Local Government Areas, including Dunukofia and Oyi, to observe the deployment of non-sensitive election materials and the final phase of logistics preparation. The team also monitored the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at registration centers across the state, confirming that the exercise was progressing efficiently and inclusively.
Prof. Gumus urged eligible voters who were yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of the remaining days, assuring them that INEC had made adequate provisions to accommodate everyone before the poll.

“The Commission has worked tirelessly to ensure inclusivity. We want every registered voter to have access to their PVCs before the election,” she said.

During a crucial meeting with the 21 Electoral Officers (EOs) across Anambra State, discussions revolved around the activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs), the timely deployment of personnel, and the tracking of election materials. Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, who addressed the officers, emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency at every stage of the election.

“Every vehicle, every ballot paper, and every form must be properly tracked. This election is a test of responsibility and integrity for all of us,” he said.

Dr. Ukeagu further revealed that the Commission had achieved near-total readiness, describing the level of preparation as “99 percent complete.”

“Every component, logistics, security, voter sensitization, and material tracking, is in place. What remains is the final deployment of staff and materials to various polling units,” he added.

As part of the readiness tour, the INEC delegation also supervised a mock accreditation exercise in the Anambra East Local Government Area. The exercise was aimed at testing the efficiency and reliability of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices that will be used during the election. The BVAS machines, which verify voters’ identities through fingerprints and facial recognition, performed seamlessly during the mock test. Officials confirmed that backup devices were also being prepared for emergency deployment to ensure there were no disruptions on election day.
Dr. Ukeagu expressed confidence in the performance of the technology, assuring voters that the Commission had addressed all previous challenges.

“BVAS has proven effective in ensuring the integrity of the accreditation process. We are confident it will perform even better during the election proper,” he said.

At another engagement with election stakeholders, Mr. Sam Olumekun, one of the National Commissioners, urged officials and ad hoc staff to maintain the highest level of professionalism and transparency before, during, and after the poll.

“Transparency remains the Commission’s strongest asset. The credibility of this election depends on your conduct,” he told the officials.

Similarly, Dr. Baba Bila, Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, reminded electoral officers of the sacred trust reposed in them by the Commission.

“INEC has entrusted you with responsibility, and you must return that trust with integrity and dedication,” he emphasized.

As part of efforts to ensure a smooth election day, the INEC delegation held a meeting with leaders of major transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
These unions are crucial partners in transporting election materials and personnel across all local government areas on election day.
Dr. Ukeagu reminded the transport leaders of the need to strictly adhere to their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commission.

“This is not business as usual. You must deliver according to the agreed arrangements. Payments will be prompt, but accountability must be total,” he cautioned.

In addition, the team convened a high-level meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). The meeting brought together heads of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Army, Civil Defence, and DSS, who assured INEC of coordinated deployments to ensure a peaceful and secure environment before, during, and after the poll.
Dr. Agwu, the Anambra REC, expressed satisfaction with the level of interagency cooperation.

“We enter this election with peace of mind. The collaboration among security agencies gives us confidence that materials, personnel, and voters will move freely and safely on election day,” she said.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has approved the appointment of Mr. Adedayo Eriye Oketola as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
The appointment was confirmed through a letter signed by Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, dated October 24, 2025, and takes immediate effect.
Mr. Oketola, a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades of professional experience, previously served as editor of The Punch Newspaper. He has won multiple awards for excellence in journalism and media leadership.
Congratulating him on his new role, Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony urged Oketola to uphold the Commission’s values of professionalism, integrity, and transparency in all communications.

“Mr. Oketola brings a wealth of media experience and credibility that will further strengthen the Commission’s communication strategy as we approach the Anambra Governorship Election,” she said.

With all preparations nearing completion, INEC has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election in Anambra State. The Commission has also assured voters that their votes will count and that the results will reflect the true will of the people.
Prof. Gumus summed it up succinctly:

“Our goal is simple, to deliver a credible election that Nigerians, particularly the people of Anambra, will be proud of. We have done the work; we are ready for the people.

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As Anambra heads to the polls on November 8, 2025, the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission signals hope for a transparent and well-organized election. With logistics, technology, and security measures firmly in place, all eyes are now on the electorate, the ultimate deciders of who will lead the state into the next political era.


By Primlineinfo