The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025.
Speaking at a forum for media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities, the Commission said the media remain an indispensable partner in promoting transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
The event, organized under the theme of partnership and shared purpose, was aimed at strengthening democracy through credible information and responsible communication.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, represented by Wilfred Ifogha, Deputy Director of Information and Publicity, said the engagement was a reaffirmation of the Commission’s openness and collaboration with the media.
He commended journalists for their professionalism and balanced reportage during recent elections in the state, noting that their work “continues to serve as the oxygen of democracy, enlightening citizens, holding institutions accountable, and bridging the gap between the governed and those who govern.”
Olumekun said democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed and that INEC counts on journalists to amplify voter education, combat misinformation, and keep the public engaged with truth and context.
“The Commission has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.
All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements,” he stated.
According to him, INEC is in Anambra for a week-long readiness assessment, featuring meetings with key stakeholders such as the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and mock accreditation exercises to ensure smooth operations.
“These activities send a clear message: INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State,” he added.
Collection of PVCs
Olumekun also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for those who registered during the last Continuous Voter Registration exercise would be available for collection from Wednesday, October 22 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the ward level.
“There will be no collection by proxy. We urge the media to help mobilize registrants to collect their PVCs and participate actively in the November 8 election,” he said.
He charged the media to lead the fight against fake news and misinformation, describing them as major threats to electoral integrity.
“False stories and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust. Let truth remain your only compass this election season,” he urged.
Olumekun stressed that INEC’s partnership with the media is foundational, built on a shared belief that democracy must be protected not only at the polling units but also in the minds of citizens who rely on accurate information to make informed choices.
“Together, let us ensure that the Anambra Governorship Election of 2025 becomes another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey — peaceful, transparent, and credible,” he concluded.
Media appreciation
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, expressed appreciation to journalists for their consistent support to the Commission since her assumption of office.
“Reporters have been fair to INEC. You help us to push out information, and when we fall short, you correct us in the proper way. This engagement is our way of saying we appreciate you,” she said.
She praised the media for helping to douse political tension and simplify complex electoral issues for public understanding, describing journalists as “partners in progress.”
“If the media in Nigeria were callous, the country would not stand today. We need you to do even more, especially now that we are heading into another election,” she added.
Agwu assured that INEC remains committed to upholding the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution despite pressures to do otherwise.
NUJ urges greater access and collaboration
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka, represented by the Secretary, Dr. Okey Onuegbu, commended INEC for improvements in election management.
He urged the Commission to remain accessible to journalists, particularly during critical periods when clarifications are needed.
“INEC must be reachable to the media at all times. More training and partnership, especially with the NUJ, are needed to enhance fact-checking and responsible reporting. It would also be helpful to have designated desk officers to handle verification inquiries from journalists,” he said.
The forum featured technical sessions by INEC officials on legal, operational, and technological aspects of the forthcoming election.
Head of Department, Legal, Mrs. Olachi Nwugo, spoke on the Electoral Act 2022, emphasizing the importance of understanding its provisions to avoid legal risks and misinformation.
Voting procedures
Head of Electoral Operations, Mr. Ejimofor Ejikeme, explained voting procedures, stressing that polls would open at 8:30 a.m. using the Continuous Accreditation and Voting System (CAVS).
He said priority voting would be given to persons with disabilities (PWDs), aged persons, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, in line with INEC’s inclusivity policy.
Ejikeme reminded journalists that secrecy of the ballot must be protected and that phones or photographic devices are not allowed inside voting cubicles, as vote buying threatens the integrity of elections.
Head of ICT/VR, Mr. Emeka Nnaji, discussed technological innovations, particularly the BVAS and IREV, noting that technology has significantly reduced multiple voting and impersonation.
“Electoral processes globally are increasingly technology-driven to enhance transparency. INEC reviews every election to identify areas of improvement. BVAS has improved integrity, but politicians now attempt to manipulate outcomes through vote buying,” Nnaji cautioned.
With the November 8 governorship election drawing closer, the Commission assured Anambra voters that all necessary logistics, training, and stakeholder engagements were being finalized to guarantee a credible, peaceful, and inclusive election.
